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OUTline Core Values

The following core values are held with the highest regards in all aspects of OUTline's training, programming and services. Each value weighs equally in the manifestation of OUTline's activities.

This is a living document that will change as our understanding of these values changes over time.

OUTline's Perspective on Identities and Labels

OUTline recognizes that the very nature of Queer identities is that they are difficult to define and that this is often argued to be an essential aspect Queerness. From time to time, OUTline will vary the language we use in keeping with the concept of fluid identities and context-specific discourse.

Sexual and gender diversity includes, but is not limited to: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, queer, questioning, intersex and two-spirited, among many others.

We oppose the hierarchical arrangement of these identities, though we recognize that in our society power is differentially ascribed based on perceived identity. We similarly seek to challenge categorization of identities and the creation of discrete or imposed boundaries that limit individuals' choices, freedoms, abilities or aspirations. We acknowledge that enumerating labels is unavoidable at times but that it also propagates the notion that people/identities can be captured in discrete categories or pigeonholes.

We further acknowledge that the term 'Queer' is used by some as a verbal short-hand to represent our communities and is a source of empowerment for some, but that it is also problematic because it renders differences as invisible and alienates some members of our communities because of its historical (and sometimes current) hurtful uses.

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Harm Reduction

OUTline has defined "high-risk behaviour" as including, but not limited to:

  • high-risk sexual activities
  • illicit drug use
  • dangerous drinking
  • self-harm and intentional harm of others
  • dangerous actions taken by persons experiencing severely impaired awareness, cognitive function and mood associated with psychosis or other debilitating major mental illness.

OUTline recognizes that risk-taking behaviour is a natural part of our world and suggests that its work should be focused on minimizing the harmful effects of these behaviours, rather than focusing on the cessation of the behaviour. OUTline's harm reduction strategies meet individuals "where they're at", addressing the conditions of the behaviour along with the behaviour itself.

Guiding Principles of Harm Reduction

  • OUTline accepts that high-risk behaviour is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them;
  • OUTline understands that engaging in high-risk behaviour is a complex, multi-faceted phenomena that encompasses a continuum of behaviours, and acknowledges that some ways of managing theses behaviours are clearly safer than others;
  • OUTline establishes individually defined quality of life an well-being and quality of community life and well-being as the criteria for successful interventions and policies;
  • OUTline utilizes non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services and resources to people who participate in high-risk behaviour and the communities in which they live, in order to assist them in reducing potential harm;
  • OUTline ensures that individuals who partake in high-risk behaviour and those with a history of high-risk behaviour routinely have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them;
  • OUTline affirms that individuals partaking in high-risk behaviour are the primary agents in reducing the harms of their behaviour;
  • OUTline recognizes that the realities of poverty, racism, homophobia, lesbo-phobia, bi-phobia, trans-phobia, heterosexism, social isolation, past trauma, gender-based discrimination and other social inequalities affect both people�s vulnerability to and capacity for effectively dealing with the harm of high-risk behaviour;
  • OUTline does not attempt to minimize or ignore the reality of the tragic harm and danger associated with high-risk behaviour.

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Anti-Oppression

OUTline recognizes that oppressions based on race, ethnicity, creed, class, gender, sexual orientation, gender orientation, immigration status, country of origin, religion, mental health status, age, and ability are systemic in Canadian society. These form a system of interlocking oppressions that are mutually enforcing and cannot be addressed in isolation. Therefore, the struggle against homophobia and trans-phobia should be integrated with the struggles against other forms of oppression.

Oppressions are embedded in the dominant culture and social institutions in a way that is so pervasive that they are often invisible and affect everyone. They affect the perception of the world of those who knowingly or unknowingly carry around the baggage of oppressive attitudes and stereotypes which make them prejudge individuals and situations. These perceptions lead to behaviours that validate and propagate oppressive behaviours.

Racism, xenophobia, classism, sexism, homophobia and heterosexism, ableism, and ageism cause pain and humiliation and have far-reaching consequences. Each one in its own way, prevents equality in opportunity, access to asylum, immigration opportunities, education, jobs, housing, health care and social services, and limits participation in decision-making bodies. In addition, OUTline recognizes the impact and inter-connectedness of these multiple oppressions. At OUTline, this is an ongoing process as we work on this issue both internally and externally.

OUTline is an organization committed to:

  • the elimination of all forms of oppression in its provision of programs and services in order to create and maintain a safe environment that facilitates open and respectful participation of staff, clients, volunteers, students, community and advisory committee members
  • advocating for change, acknowledging that inequitable practices and resource distribution and utilization create systemic barriers for different communities
  • supporting other work that is being carried out, including networks, coalitions and community initiatives that are committed to the elimination of oppression specifically, and in all its forms
  • being proactively engaged in anti-oppression training for staff, advisory committee, volunteers, and students
  • conducting education with our partners, clients and general public about the impact of the various oppressions
  • challenging various forms of oppression in the media, government campaigns and policies and in other institutions
  • examining and improving all OUTline practices, policies and protocols, on an ongoing basis, to ensure compliance with this policy

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Sex Positive

Adapted from "Health Promotion Atlantic," September 1997, Volume 3 Number 3 by Lisa Tobin, Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic, Halifax NS

OUTline recognizes that many sexual health promotion efforts have a "negative" approach that focuses on sexual problems, risks and consequences and excludes the positive aspects of sexuality. While attention to the risks is important, it can undermine our sexual health promotion efforts. Accenting only the negative aspects of sexuality can reinforce victimization, perpetuate gender stereotypes and leave individuals without positive sexual role models. If we don't focus on the positive aspects of sexuality, we miss out on a way to make our health promotion messages appealing and credible.

At OUTline, being sex-positive means:

  • having a comprehensive definition of sexuality
  • viewing sexual health as a basic human right
  • focusing on the life-enhancing aspects of sexuality as well as attention to the negative aspects
  • being non-judgmental and challenging narrow social constructs (e.g. the myth that sex=intercourse)
  • using inclusive language rather than value-laden language which makes assumptions based on sexual orientation or gender stereotypes
  • assisting individuals to be aware of the choices involved in sexual decisions (e.g., whether or not to be sexual and exactly what being sexual can mean)

At OUTline, we are not afraid to:

  • initiate sexual health discussions which may also include asking if sexual experiences are enjoyable and strategizing what might make an individual's experiences better
  • focus on positive health behaviours, such as safer sex practices and setting personal boundaries
  • encourage brainstorming a wide variety of safer behaviours with callers (e.g., masturbation, sexual touch, fantasy, etc.) thus challenging the narrow conceptualizations of sexual activity and helping individuals to be creative and realize the choices involved in being sexual

OUTline believes that:

  • When we focus on choice, people are more likely to find forms of sexual expression that fit within personal boundaries and desires
  • If we encourage youth to do their own thinking, they can be creative, strategize solutions and make their own decisions
  • providing young people with comprehensive sexuality information DOES NOT promote experimentation. Comprehensive information can help postpone sexual activity for those who are not already sexually active and gives those who are sexually active information so that they can practice safely
  • Social taboos about sexual discussions create barriers to health promotion efforts
  • Being sex-positive means that we have to challenge our own attitudes and values as we too are products of a society that has reinforced shame and guilt about sexuality
  • Incorporating the positive aspects of sexuality in our health promotion efforts can help to normalize sexual health and relieve the guilt, shame and anxiety that act as barriers to sexually healthy attitudes and behaviours

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Anonymity and Confidentiality

Anonymous means that:

  • Service Users are not required to identify themselves or give any information that might identify their location
  • Volunteers are not to give out any personal information about themselves, including their real first and last names (volunteers are required to use an alias when answering calls)
  • Calls offices are never identified and open only to active phone line volunteers. Family and friends of volunteers are never allowed to be in the OUTline call offices
  • OUTline does not trace calls, unless there is reason to believe that an individual will harm themselves or another
  • OUTline does not have call display
  • OUTline does not track IP addresses
  • OUTline volunteers or staff will not contact you directly by phone or e-mail

Confidential means that OUTline will not provide any information that callers share during a conversation with a volunteer to anyone outside of OUTline. The only exception is, wehre by law, volunteers are required to notify the appropriate emergency services if there is significant reason to suspect a caller may be in danger of hurting themselves or others. This process can only take place if the caller gives permission and gives identifying information.

All OUTline call reports, directives and files (both paper and computer) are confidential. Information should never be shared with anyone outside of the organization, including friends and family of volunteers. Volunteers are also never to let others know (including friends and family) when they are next on shift.

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Peer-based Support

OUTline believes that using a peer-to-peer support system helps put the focus on callers rather than the providers of the service. OUTline staffs its services with volunteers who have "been there" and experienced a variety of difficulties and challenges throughout the coming-out experience. Through listening empathically, sharing experiences and working through issues, peer volunteers are uniquely able to help others.

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Humanistic Values

  • OUTline recognizes the dignity and worth of every human being
  • OUTline emphasizes compassion
  • OUTline supports the freedom to choose and practice diverse spiritual & religious expressions
  • OUTline encourages and empowers people to think for themselves
  • OUTline supports reproductive freedom
  • OUTline supports freedom of choice
  • OUTline supports the right to an informed choice
  • OUTline supports equal rights for all people
  • OUTline supports non-conformists identity expressions

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