August 2021 - SPECTRUM

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Month: August 2021

SPECTRUM News

The Grand River Rainbow Historical Project is collecting local coming out stories

Banner for the Grand River Rainbow Historical Project’s Coming Out Stories

As part of SPECTRUM’s Grand River Rainbow Historical Project, we are collecting local coming out stories! We believe oral history is extremely important so we are calling for anyone whose coming out story took place in Waterloo Region to create a short video that will live on the Grand River Rainbow Historical Project website.

Our goal is to collect at least one coming out story for every year, going back as far as we can. These stories will catalogue the wide variety of experiences that 2SLGBTQ+ people have had over the decades. Some of them will inspire, others will be cautionary tales, but they all help to make up the fabric of our community and they are all a valuable part of our history.

We plan to launch our Coming Out Stories page on October 11, 2021 — Coming Out Day. First celebrated in 1988, October 11th is National Coming Out Day, a day to celebrate our coming out stories, and also a day to advocate for a world where everyone feels safe and free to live their authentic lives.

If you would like to be part of this project here are the details:

Record a short video (1-5 minutes) wherein you share:

Your name (not necessarily your full name)
Your identity (for example, I am a trans, non-binary person)
The year you came out
And any details you’d like to share about your story

Send an email to scott@ourspectrum.com that includes your video as an attachment, or that includes a link to download your video from a Dropbox, Google Drive, or similar.
Your email must also include an attached video waiver form completed and signed by you.

Before you agree to participate here are some things to consider:

Coming out is always an extremely personal and individual process. 2SLGBTQ+ people frequently come out many times over the course of their lives, sometimes even daily.

You are the only person who really knows if and when it’s the right time to come out, how, and to whom. By sharing your coming out story on video and allowing it to be part of this project you will be forever out to the world. Anyone might potentially see or share your story.

Be sure to consider your personal safety and well-being before agreeing to be part of this project. If you are dependant on someone for housing or financial support, how will that person react to your coming out story? How would your employer react?

SPECTRUM encourages anyone who wants to come out to do so, but to do so in their own time and way. This project may not be for everyone.

If thinking about your coming out story or the process of making a video about it is difficult, you should consider talking about it with a safe person you know or perhaps a counsellor. You could connect with the OK2BME program at KW Counselling Services to find a counsellor.

Tips for Making Your Video

If you are ready to be part of the project, great! Here are some tips to consider when making your video.

Do so in a quiet place, preferably indoors. The sounds of people talking in the background or outdoor nature noises might distract from your story.
Do so in good quality lighting.
Consider what can be seen in your background. Is there anything that you would not like people to see or that might reveal your location?
Please record your video in a horizontal format. If you’re using a smartphone, simply flip it horizontally.

Examples of don’t (record vertically) versus do (record horizontally)

If you have any questions about the project please contact scott@ourspectrum.com.

Download the video waiver form here.

SPECTRUM News

Grant enables SPECTRUM to launch new free social groups for 2SLGBTQ+ adults!

Thanks to a grant from the Kitchener Waterloo Community Fund and the Uvaro Community Fund, SPECTRUM is proud to be able to present a series of new social groups for 2SLGBTQ+ adults at no cost to participants!

Earlier this year, we conducted a series of surveys to learn more about what people like about our programs and services, and where people felt there were gaps. The feedback we received helped us hone in on a few key areas for new programming. These new groups will be run as pilots for one year. During that time, we’ll collect feedback from the participants to help us decide whether we should continue to run them going forward.

2SLGBTQ+ Book Club:

In partnership with Waterloo Public Library, the 2SLGBTQ+ Book Club will give participants the opportunity to discuss books by 2SLGBTQ+ authors, or books that explore 2SLGBTQ+ experiences. We will usually meet on the last Monday of each month at 7pm at the Main Library (35 Albert St, Waterloo, ON N2L 5E2). We have pre-selected books for the first four months but will be accepting suggestions for future titles from participants.

The first four books:

September 27, 2021 – Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family by Amanda Jette Knox
October 25, 2021 – This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
November 29, 2021 – I’m Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya
December 20, 2021 – Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

In order to ensure compliance with COVID protocols participants will need to register in advance to attend. You will be able to do this soon at the WPL website. Watch our social media for updates.

For those who prefer virtual discussions you can join our group on Goodreads.

2SLGBTQ+ Yoga:

2SLGBT+ Yoga banner with SPECTRUM and Branches Yoga logo

In partnership with The Branches Yoga, the free 2SLGBTQ+ Yoga Group will meet once per month (on the second or third Sunday depending upon holidays) at The Branches studio. For the first session on September 12th at 7:30pm, participants will gather on the peaceful outdoor deck for a beginner’s level yoga experience with instructor Angela. No previous yoga experience is required and this is a space for EVERY body. This is an exclusive space for 2SLGBTQ+-identified people and trans and non-binary folks are especially encouraged to join us.

The Branches Yoga is located close to downtown Kitchener at 9 Samuel St, Kitchener, ON N2H 1N9, one block from the intersection of Frederick and Lancaster.

(Please note that the space is not yet wheelchair accessible, though there are plans to install a ramp to the front door. The main floor practice space is five steps up from street level. We apologize for this lack of accessibility.)

In order to ensure compliance with COVID protocols participants will need to register in advance to attend. You will be able to do this soon at https://thebranchesyoga.com. Watch our social media for updates.

Mindful Movement Group:

This free group will meet once per month. Participants will explore self-care and connection to community through movement with facilitator, Joscelyn Guindon RDMT (qualifying) MSW RSW.

This group will explore movement and dance, and how we can connect with others and with ourselves in an open and meaningful way. Participants will use movement and dance to support being present and exploring new ways to move more freely, while also focusing on having fun and enjoying dance together. This group is for EVERY body. It is trans and non-binary affirming. There is no technique or dance experience needed.

In order to ensure compliance with COVID protocols participants will need to register in advance to attend. You will be able to do this soon on our website. Watch our social media for updates.

Queer Craft Circle:

In partnership with Button Factory Arts, we are pleased to offer Queer Craft Circle. This free group will meet monthly on Zoom to create crafts with local artists. Explore a variety of artistic mediums in this fun and casual group. We will meet on the last Friday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm. All supplies are included and will be ready for pickup at Button Factory Arts (25 Regina St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 1R8) before meetups. Registration is limited to 10 participants per group and is limited to 2SLGBTQ+-identified people in Waterloo Region. Registration will be open soon at buttonfactoryarts.ca. Our first circle will meet on Friday September 24th at 5:30pm.

2SLGBTQ+ Young Adults Networking Group:

Banner for Young Adults Networking Group with SPECTRUM logo.

This free group for 2SLGBTQ+ young professionals aged 25-40 will meet once per month at a restaurant in Waterloo Region. Participants will enjoy a free meal (not including alcoholic beverages) and the opportunity to network and socialize with other young 2SLGBTQ+ adults. The restaurant will be announced in advance and you will need to register to attend. Space will be limited! Our first meeting will take place at Waterloo Brewing on September 24th from 6-8pm. Registration will open soon.

SPECTRUM News

Job Posting: Co-Facilitator, Networking Group for Young 2SLGBTQ+ Professionals

Job Posting

Co-Facilitator, Networking Group for Young 2SLGBTQ+ Professionals

Part-time, Contract

SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space

Posting Date: August 25, 2021

Closing Date: September 19, 2021

Thanks to a grant from the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation and the Uvaru Community Fund, SPECTRUM is able to fund two co-facilitators to run a new pilot social group for young 2SLGBTQ+ professionals aged 25-40.

This will be a pilot project for one year with the potential for the group to continue based on its success.

Each facilitator will work three hours per month; two hours to run the group itself, and one hour for prep and evaluation.

$30/hour, three hours per month, 11 months

Pay will be by cheque, once per month

Reporting to our Project Coordinator (or designate), the co-facilitators will work together to facilitate a two-hour group every month at a different Waterloo Region restaurant. The facilitators will pick a location for each month and work with the venue to book a reservation and plan menu options within our budget. The facilitators will work to encourage discussion and networking with the goal of an increased sense of belonging and social inclusion for participants (Young 2SLGBTQ+ adults aged 25-40).

Qualifications:

Must be 25 years of age or older
Must be able to commit to working one night per month
Must have access to reliable transportation within Waterloo Region
Must identify as 2SLGBTQ+
Excellent communication skills
Experience facilitating groups
Must have a successful police check for the vulnerable sector that is no more than six months old.

Group Details:

For up to 15 participants
The first dinner for September 24, 2021 will be held at Waterloo Brewing and facilitated by our Acting Executive Director.
Monthly thereafter, the co-facilitators will work with the group participants to select a dinner from a local restaurant
The co-facilitators will encourage participants to complete our online evaluation survey after each monthly event.
The co-facilitators will compile the evaluation results for analysis by SPECTRUM staff.
Co-facilitators may contribute to final grant report for the KWCF.

Application Details:

Email us a cover letter and resume with the subject line APPLICATION: Young Professionals Group Co-Facilitator by September 19, 2021
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted

Statements

A statement about Chick-fil-A’s opening in Kitchener

SPECTRUM is aware that a new Chick-fil-A franchise will be opening in Kitchener this weekend. As we expressed in the 2020 interview linked above, we have significant concerns with this company and its CEO who continues to donate to anti-2SLGBTQ+ organizations including the National Christian Charitable Foundation, a massive organization which is currently engaged in a campaign against a 2SLGBTQ+ equal rights bill in the United States and which has pushed anti-2SLGBTQ+ bills in over 30 states this year.

These bills have had a direct impact on the lives and safety of transgender people, especially youth. They include efforts to ban transgender student athletes from sports, support for conversion “therapy”, provisions to block trans youth from receiving transition-related medical care, and even some bills that call for genital inspections of children to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Conversion “therapy” is torture. As an organization that serves and affirms 2SLGBTQ+ people and works to ensure their well-being and belonging in Waterloo Region, we cannot support organizations that advocate for the torture of queer people. Conversion “therapy” is still happening in Canada, and in our own community. Bill C-6, an act that would amend the criminal code to ban these practices, has yet to pass in the Senate.

We would respectfully ask that individuals and organizations who are considering relationships with Chick-fil-A do some research about the company and consider the impact that working with them or shopping with them might have on their 2SLGBTQ+ friends, family members, and co-workers.

SPECTRUM News, Volunteers

Seeking volunteers to be interviewed for a video about lived 2SLGBTQ+ experiences

SPECTRUM is seeking approximately 12 volunteers who are willing to be interviewed on video to share their lived experience as 2SLGBTQ+ people. The content will be used for a variety of purposes including use in our 2SLGBTQ+ cultural competency training sessions, and for sharing on social media and our website.

Each interview will take approximately 60-90 minutes.
Interviewees will need to sign a waiver giving SPECTRUM permission to use the video content.
Interviewees need to be aged 18+.
Interviewees need to be residents (or former residents) of Waterloo Region (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and the townships).
Interviewees will receive an honorarium of $100 as thanks for their participation.
Filming will take place at Skylight Productions 1440 King St N, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
Filming will take place September 10-12, 2021. You will need to be available on one of those dates.

The interviews will be wide-ranging, covering things like coming out stories, homo/bi/transphobia, Pride celebrations, chosen family and friends, 2SLGBTQ+ pop culture, intersectionality, etc. We plan to use clips from the interviews as examples in our training and education programs and to share on social media to help the broader community understand the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Waterloo Region.

If you are interested in participating please connect with us at info@ourspectrum.com and provide the following:

Name and pronouns
Your age
Film yourself reading the paragraph below
Attach the video to your email or provide a link where we can download the video from a Dropbox, Google Drive, or similar

Script for Submission Video

SPECTRUM is Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space. Their vision is of an inclusive community where all LGBTQ2+ individuals are welcomed, celebrated, and supported as their authentic selves. Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission, to explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.

SPECTRUM News, WAGE Grant

Introducing the New SPECTRUM!

Thanks to a generous grant from the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund that has allowed us to engage in a year-long capacity-building project, SPECTRUM has been able to complete a re-brand that speaks to some of the changes we’ve made to the organization this year and the direction we are working towards.

Meet our new logo!

Our Project Excelsior team worked with The Public studio, a community-centered, social justice design studio, to develop a new logo and brand standards. The new logo speaks to the way SPECTRUM provides 2SLGBTQ+ communities with a space for refuge, which in turn, leads to both personal and political growth, to challenging conversations, and, with time, a more joyful world.

In the new logo, we see the idea of “space” and “refuge” represented by a rainbow form. As letterforms move toward this space, we see them coming to life. We are introduced to a sense of playfulness, optimism, joy, and resiliency. This concept also allows space to explore the dichotomies in this work, namely, the joyful, playful, unapologetic ways of being within the space, alongside the professionalism needed to speak truth to power and advocate on behalf of our communities in the more public sphere.

The goal was to prioritize the concepts of potentiality, transformation, protection, and growth. We explore the rainbow as a visual cue for both safety and refuge (internal) and celebration and joy (outward).

The colours we chose and the number of “bars” in the rainbow are intentional. In moving away from the “standard” six colours of the Pride flag, we leave room for places of growth, alternative understandings of who’s included here, and attention to the roots of queer liberation and where these movements come from. In the colour palette, we have colours that still run adjacent to the six-colour flag, as well as warm browns and pinks that aren’t necessarily desaturated versions of the other colours, but are colours in their own right.

We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with The Public on this re-brand. Their team spent a lot of time getting to know SPECTRUM and its people, the ways we work, our history, and our future goals. We believe the new logo does an excellent job of identifying SPECTRUM as an organization.

As we move forward, we’d also like to reflect on our history and thank Eric Chengyang, Thane Robyn, and the late Thom Ryan who created the previous versions of our logo. Eric Chengyang designed our first logo back in February 2013. In September 2015, the logo was cleaned up by Thane Robyn, who separated the textual sub-title of our name (part of our full legal name) from the graphic itself. In June 2016, Thom Ryan modified the image still further by changing the cursive subtitle to a san-serif all-caps version for readability.

We’ve also launched a new website!

We are also excited to be launching our new website designed by our Marketing & Development Coordinator, Ash Kreider. The new site was designed with care taken to respond to feedback that SPECTRUM has received over the last year or so, including thoughts shared by the community in various surveys and focus groups we conducted earlier this year. The new site is accessible, easy to navigate, faster to load, and is designed to reflect the new brand standards created by The Public.

We already have a list of additional changes in the works. These will be implemented throughout the rest of the year. We hope you’ll enjoy using the new site and celebrating our new brand identity with us.

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