It can be very hard for someone to cope with their experience of any type of discrimination (i.e. homophobia, racism, sexism, etc.). Some people feel like the experience makes them stronger, others feel like it hurts them or breaks them down. For many people it is impossible to erase the hurt that they feel from discrimination.

However, many people can learn to deal with their feelings by seeking support from friends, family, counselors, help lines, and/ or other people who have had similar experiences as them. We can help each other out by trying to put an end to our own discriminatory behaviors, and working to stop discrimination in our schools and communities.

Check out our Appreciating Diversity section for more information on ways you can get involved.

The first thing you can do is realize it is NOT your fault! Then talk to someone you trust about what is happening to you. This could be your guidance counsellor, a coach, or a trusted teacher. It is their responsibility to make sure you are free from discrimination at school.

If you are experiencing racism outside of school, you can still talk about your experiences with the same people, and you can also talk to friends, family, caregivers, and even the crisis lines[Klinic Crisis Line] if you need someone to talk to.

If you are starting to feel badly about yourself, self care and positive self talk.  Do things that make you feel taken care of (hanging out with good friends, getting hugs from people you love, doing stuff you love to do, and thinking positively). This also means hanging out with people who support you and make you feel good about who you are.

Positive self talk means talking to yourself like you talk to your best friend. You would never call down your friend, instead you would compliment them. So try not to call yourself down when other people are already making you feel bad. Know that you are not alone; there are many supportive groups/organizations out there that help people talk, share, come together and raise awareness.

Ideally we get to choose who we want to date or hang out with. This can be easier said than done if we are being harassed.

Sometimes when that happens both people can start to feel crappy and may even feel pressured to stop hanging out together. This is totally unfair especially since it is the people doing the discriminating who have the problem, not the people being hated on!

Talk to someone you trust about the discrimination or harassment you are experiencing. You can also call the Klinic Crisis Line at (204) 786-6868 for help or information.

Often people pick on someone because they are trying to build themselves up by putting that person down. They try to hurt someone either to feel better about themselves or feel like they have gained some power over the other person (they are often trying to cover up their insecurities). Whatever the reason, it is still not ok and racist.