A Letter to Community Following a Tumultuous Week
Dear Community,
Last week, threats of violence toward 2SLGBTQIA+ events in Waterloo Region were shared with us and other groups by Waterloo Regional Police Services. Out of an abundance of caution, our Tuesday programs moved online, and by Wednesday we returned to regular programming with added safety measures. It’s now Monday, and no incidents have been reported.
This week has been full of fear, anger, and frustration, but also deep resolve.
We are not slowing down. We’re moving forward, louder than ever.
Here’s what I want you to know:
- Our community has always lived with the threat of violence, especially Black, Indigenous, and racialized queer and trans people.
- Spectrum exists to change that. We build community safety and wellbeing from the ground up through connection, care, and collective strength.
- We were created to be a space where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can be themselves, support one another, and find reprieve. This week is a reminder of why our work is critical and why ongoing government investment in upstream, community-led safety is essential.
- These threats aim to divide and silence us. Our response is, and always will be, connection, care, and joy.
Last week was a time of tension, strategy meetings, ramped up safety measures, and community groups uniting together. There is more of that to come.
Today however, we are going to dance. Queer joy cannot be threatened out of existence. Trauma and harm live in our bodies and connection and joyful movement are one of it's antidotes.
Join us today, Monday October 27 from 5:30-6:30pm at Waterloo Uptown Square for a Pop-Up Pride Dance Party.
You are part of this. Show up. Check in. Volunteer. Donate. Stand beside queer and trans people when they are visible and vulnerable.
Safety is something we build together.
With care,
Suzie Taka
Executive Director
Spectrum Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space