SPECTRUM News

New Executive Director

We’re excited to announce that Spectrum’s new Executive Director is Suzie Taka (she/her)!

Suzie Taka has been a dedicated community organizer and 2SLGBTQIA+ advocate in Waterloo Region for over a decade. She has extensive experience in the non-profit and public sectors, most recently as part of the Reconciliation and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team at the Region of Waterloo. Suzie brings a strong background in stakeholder and government relations, community engagement, communications, public policy, and grant writing.

Her personal projects include producing multiple years of Rainbow Reels Queer and Trans Film Festival and co-founding LOL—KW’s first queer and feminist monthly stand-up comedy show. Suzie also served on Spectrum’s Board of Directors from October 20, 2019 – July 18, 2021.

She applies an anti-oppressive lens to her work and is committed to community building rooted in anti-racism and Truth and Reconciliation. Outside of work, you can find her biking with her wife and their five-year-old and twin two-year-olds, browsing a thrift store, or refinishing furniture. 

Our outgoing Executive Director, Scott Williams, will work with Suzie for a few weeks to help ensure a smooth transition.

From Suzie

I am incredibly excited to step into the role of Executive Director at Spectrum, an organization I deeply believe in. As a queer person who has lived, worked, and built connections in Waterloo Region for over two decades, I have witnessed—and personally benefited from—the many supports, services, and resources Spectrum offers. It has been a privilege to watch Spectrum grow from a dream—a seed planted in this community—that has now taken root and flourished, thanks to the passion and dedication of so many.

I have been, and will continue to be, a strong advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through an approach rooted in decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality. Despite the ongoing harm and setbacks our communities face, I believe in a future with more inclusion, belonging, and less hate. I look forward to nurturing what has been cultivated and fostering new growth as we continue building a vibrant and thriving space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Jim Parrott, Scott Williams, Mayor Dorothy McCabe, and Suzie Taka at Spectrum’s AGM October 29, 2024
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Fundraising

Year End Fundraising Appeal – 2024

As we approach the end of the year, we want to reflect on the profound impact that Spectrum has had on the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in our community. Our work is guided by our core values of accountability, advocacy, collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion and well being.


This year, Spectrum has served 6,810 participants, facilitated at least 1,485 volunteer hours, and subsidized the cost of at least 265 counseling sessions to those in need of support. But our work is not done. For many, Spectrum is not just a support organization – it is the only place where they can be their authentic selves without fear. Over a quarter of youth in our community have faced violence because of their gender identity, and 10% because of their sexual identity. This places the well-being and lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people on the line.

“Just having a space I can exist without worry or anxiety where everyone understands certain things without needing explanation. It’s a lifeline.” – Program Participant


While we provide essential support to our community, many of the 50 programs Spectrum runs remain unfunded. This means that our programs depend entirely on the generosity of people like you to provide a safe place of acceptance and belonging.

Your donation allows us to continue and expand this crucial work. By contributing, you bring connection, community and hope to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals across Waterloo Region. You create a community where everyone is cared for, compassion flourishes and where no one has to hide who they are. Many of us take for granted the simple right to exist without fear. Your support ensures that more 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can live freely and proudly in a community that values them.


Together, we can build a future where diversity is celebrated and no one is left behind. We hope you will help us to continue this mission. We are excited to announce that we have a donor who will match all donations up to $7,000! That means your donation of $25 becomes $50! Or your gift of $100 becomes $200!


Thank you for considering a donation to Spectrum. Your generosity inspires hope, creates connection and changes lives.

You can make a donation online here

You can make a donation to our endowment fund here

Or you can mail in this form with a cheque

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