SPECTRUM News

Waterloo Region Community Grant 2024

Spectrum is grateful to be receiving a grant from the Waterloo Region Community Fund and the Janice and Robert Deutschmann Family Fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

With these funds, Spectrum will provide five 2SLGBTQIA+ peer support and discussion groups to help participants connect with each other and create a sense of belonging and well-being. The funds will allow us to pay the co-facilitators of these groups for their important work.

Ace & Aro Space is an existing group for people who identify as asexual and/or aromantic. Ace and Aro people are often invisible in both 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces and mainstream spaces because of the assumption that all people experience attraction. This has become an important group for Spectrum, giving Ace and Aro folks a place to belong and call their own.

Spectrum on the Spectrum is an existing group for people who identify as queer and trans and autistic. This was developed over the course of a year in partnership with Waterloo Region Family Network. We conducted community conversations and research which revealed a need for this group because such a high number of queer and trans people also identify as neurodiverse and sometimes struggle to participate in our regular peer support groups.

Bi & Pan Space is an existing group for people who are bisexual or pansexual. Bi and Pan people often experience erasure in both 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces and mainstream spaces. Especially if they are in a hetero-presenting relationship, bi and pan folks tend to be seen as “not queer enough” for 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces but “not straight enough” for mainstream spaces. This group started this year after many requests.

The Queer Women group is a new group for anyone who identifies as a woman and queer. Often, women do not feel completely comfortable in groups with men or masculine folks and they have been requesting a space of their own. This will be the first Spectrum program exclusively for women.

The Fabulous 40s groups is also new. We have a group for young adults aged 25-40, and a group for older adults aged 50+, but people in their 40s have not been

well-served. We have received frequent requests for a group like this.

Find the job postings for these co-facilitator positions on our employment page.

Special thanks to Waterloo Region Community Foundation and their Fundholders for their support of 2SLGBTQIA+ programs in our community.

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Guest post, SPECTRUM News

Launch of Rainbow Newcomers Toolkit

We are pleased to share our new Rainbow Newcomers Toolkit! This is a guide to help 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers with settling in Waterloo Region. This project began with Rhea Bhat (she/her), a Psychology major at Wilfrid Laurier University. Rhea received a Menich Award which allowed her to work with a not-for profit of her choice. It has taken a full year to develop and design this toolkit. That included a great deal of research and also getting feedback from our Rainbow Newcomers Connect team, and partners at COMPASS Refugee Centre and the City of Cambridge.

Rhea Shares:

The Rainbow Newcomers Toolkit is something I will always hold dear as a Brown, queer woman and an international student who had to settle down in Canada with no knowledge of various processes.

Working on the toolkit allowed me to learn more about the Waterloo Region Community and the various essential supports offered to newcomers on a multitude of topics. For newcomers, it is always a challenge to figure out where to start and how to navigate through the multiple resources available. I wanted to make this daunting process easier on newcomers by creating a one-stop guide that could help them start this process, along with contacts to resources within the community.

I chose to work with Spectrum and aimed the toolkit at 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers because it can take time to explore and find their community, especially for those of us who have moved from unsafe environments. This experience has not only helped me develop invaluable skills but has also helped me realize that I would like to continue working with newcomers to Canada in any capacity that I can.

Thank you, Spectrum, for an experience I will always cherish!

Download the Toolkit!

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Events, Fundraising

POWWR Serves Up a Smashing Success for Spectrum!

We’re thrilled to share the news of an amazing event held on May 18th, 2024! Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region (POWWR), a local organization, hosted a player clinic and tournament in support of Spectrum. It was a fantastic day filled with friendly competition, community spirit, and of course, raising awareness for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The morning kicked off with a two-hour clinic led by skilled POWWR coaches. A total of 56 participants eagerly learned and honed their skills, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

In the afternoon, things got competitive! POWWR volunteers transformed the space into a tournament zone, with matches happening across 12 gyms. A whopping 63 individuals battled it out on the court, showcasing their athleticism and sportsmanship.

But the true victory lies beyond the scoreboards. The event was a resounding success, raising almost $6,000 in support of Spectrum’s vital work in the Waterloo Region. We are incredibly grateful to POWWR for their dedication and generosity.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the POWWR volunteers who went above and beyond to make this event possible. Their hard work and enthusiasm created a welcoming and fun environment for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to our prize sponsors who helped elevate the experience for our participants:

  • Dr. Kyle Simpson, BSc, DC
  • Marlowe Grooming & General
  • The Underdog Dance Corp.
  • Kazoku Martial Arts Centre
  • Carly Pettinger & Kara McLean
  • HomeFit Exercise Equipment
  • CrossFit 1827
  • AOK Craft Beer + Arcade
  • Together We’re Bitter Co-operative Brewing
  • Wages Corp
  • Together Again Eyewear
  • POWWR
  • Bob’s Rackets
  • City of Waterloo
  • Black Knight
  • Canada Wide Sports

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our event sponsors:

This event would not be possible without the incredible support of the Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region (POWWR). Thanks to the generous gift of time from their volunteers, Spectrum benefitted from nearly all the ticket sales. A special shout-out to Fiona, whose vision for the event brought it to life!

We are incredibly grateful to The City of Waterloo’s Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) team for generously covering 100% of the rental cost of RIM Park (valued at $2,373.92). Their support demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within our community.

For a glimpse into the excitement of the day, be sure to check out the CTV News Kitchener coverage. We also had coverage from CBC News and City News

We at Spectrum are deeply appreciative of POWWR’s and the City of Waterloo’s incredible support. Together, we can continue fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for everyone in Waterloo Region!

Extra thanks to the following individuals for their event support:

Each of these individuals went above and beyond in some way to support our event. While we tried to list everyone, but there were so many people that helped to bring this event together:

  • Fiona MacGregor (POWWR)
  • Troy Dettwiler (Sports Coordinator, Spectrum)
  • Anette Happel (POWWR)
  • James MacLeod (City of Waterloo)
  • Scott Williams (Executive Director, Spectrum)
  • Mattie James (Facilitator, Spectrum)
  • Kita Pinheiro (Facilitator, Spectrum)
  • Jesse Hafermehl (Facilitator, Spectrum)
  • Alex (Volunteer, Spectrum)
  • Fabian Fletcher (Volunteer and Operations Manager, Spectrum)
  • Dorothy McCabe (Mayor, City of Waterloo)
  • Brian Hill (READI Member, City of Waterloo)
  • Amy Ross (READI Member, City of Waterloo)
  • Paulina Rodriguez (READI Member, City of Waterloo)
  • Adam Nerger (READI Member, City of Waterloo)
  • Bardish Chagger (MP, Waterloo)
  • Jillian Fleming (City of Waterloo)
  • Iliana Medellin (City of Waterloo)
  • Erica Brennan (Canada Wide Sports)
  • Stephanie Cormier (Unique Embroidery Promotions & Awards)
  • Shelby Knox (CTV News)
  • Justine Fraser (City News)
  • Kate Bueckert (CBC News)
  • Lexi Salt (Facilitator, Spectrum)
  • Anthony Nguyen (Conestoga College)

Wrap Up

So again, thank you! Whether you shared the event with a friend, attended, or made a donation, we appreciate the impact you made on our community. If you would like to help out in the future with this event, please reach out to our Sports Coordinator: troy@ourspectrum.com

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Awareness, SPECTRUM News

National AccessAbility Week

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place from May 26th to June 1st, 2024. We’d like to take this opportunity to share some of the work Spectrum has done to become more accessible over the past several months.

  1. One of the three Strategic Priorities in our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan is Accessibility and Inclusion in Programs and Personnel: Spectrum is committed to continuing our journey to becoming a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible organization that is welcoming and relevant to members of all 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. We will create programs and recruit personnel using an anti-oppressive and intersectional framework. We will prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, equity, and well-being – celebrating and affirming our diverse community.
  2. We worked with INNoVa to conduct an accessibility audit of our physical space and the building we are in. This audit resulted in a report with many recommendations that we have already begun to explore.
  3. We worked with Accessibrand to conduct an accessibility audit of our website. This audit resulted in a report with many recommendations that we have already begun to explore. Watch for updates that will improve the accessibility of our site over the coming months.

We’re also pleased to share that the City of Cambridge is hosting a series of webinars on dismantling ableism in the community, healthcare, and education. The webinars will feature presentations from local organizations, service providers and individuals with lived experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about best practices and tools on how we can create a welcoming and inclusive community.

  • Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Dismantling Ableism in the Community (Fun)
  • Wednesday, May 29, 2024: Dismantling Ableism in Healthcare
  • Thursday, May 30, 2024: Dismantling Ableism in Education

For more information and to register, visit Cambridge.ca/accessibility

You can also visit the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) for resources and ideas for observing NAAW in a meaningful way.

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Events

Pride 2024

This page will be updated as details come together! For Pride month, Spectrum is excited to work with many great community partners to present a series of events and activities that both celebrate members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and promote equal rights and visibility. Remember, Pride is not just a party, it’s a protest.

Here’s a short video featuring local 2SLGBTQIA+ people talking about what Pride means to them.


Our third annual fundraising gala will take place on June 13, 2024! Get your tickets here!

Our headliner is Brandon Ash-Mohammed, a fresh face in comedy. Brandon has been named a JFL Montreal New Face and was the winner of a Canadian Screen Award for his work as Head Writer on Canada’s Drag Race.

Our MC is Robert Watson, an award-winning playwright, performer, fragrance aficionado extraordinaire, and producer and host of Gay AF. The show will also feature high-energy punch-up comedian Mikey Dykeman and Second City-trained, Rush Kazi.

Get your tickets here!

Dinner will be from B Elegant Catering, and the event will take place at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum. 

This event is presented by Co-operators Insurance, and also sponsored by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Company of Canada, Liftow, Stantec, Gowling WLG, and the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce. Get your tickets here!


Friday May 31, 2024 – 11am-1pm – City of Waterloo Pride Kick-Off

Join us at Waterloo Public Square when the City of Waterloo will unveil their new rainbow crosswalk. There will be an Indigenous drum circle and remarks from Mayor McCabe, Scott Williams, and other community members.


Saturday June 1, 2024 – 12pm – tri-Pride Festival

Find us at the tri-Pride Festival in Willow River Park (Victoria Park) on June 1st! We’ll have free pronoun pins and other swag to share!


Saturday June 1, 2024 8pm-1am – Purple Prism Pride Dance

We look forward to attending RCWR’s annual Pride Dance at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener! Doors open at 8pm.

This year’s theme is… Purple Prism! Get ready to dance under the vibrant hues of the rainbow and let your colors shine as you flaunt your favourite shade of purple or any hue of the rainbow! Don’t miss out on the magic as we come together to celebrate community!

Get your tickets here


Sunday June 2, 2024 10am-3pm – Family Pride

Find us at THEMUSEUM’s 3rd annual Family Pride event.

All Day: 2SLGBTQ+ Community resource booths, exhibits, crafts and UGS activity
10:30 a.m.: Anat Hector-Brown
11:30 a.m.: Chris Paul Rainbows
1:30 p.m: Maverick the Dinosaur Celebrates Pride
2:15 p.m: Music Lessons with Melody Bijou

Get your tickets here


Friday June 7, 2024 – 7-8pm – Together in Pride Ride

Join the City of Kitchener, Spectrum, and OK2BME for a cycling event in Kitchener to help bring visibility to members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities for Pride Month, and attention to cycling in Kitchener for Bike Month. We’ll meet at 44 Gaukel for a 7km fun and casual ride. There will be prizes for the best pride-themed bike decorations or clothing!


Saturday June 8, 2024 10:30am-12:30pm – Families Under the Rainbow: Game On!

Join us at Waterloo Public Library’s Eastside Branch for a morning of giant games and board games in a safe and welcoming space. Kids ages 5 to 10 years with a caregiver. Please register each child attending.

Register here


Saturday June 8, 2024 – Grand River Pride Street Party

Find us at the Grand River Pride Street Party. The day will be packed with activities, market vendors, performers and so much more! Spectrum will be there from 1-8pm.

Find details here


Saturday June 8, 2024 1-5pm – TWB Pride Patio Party

We’re pleased to collaborate with TWB again. Join us for live music featuring “Ground Cover” a local band from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, fresh beer including TWB’s limited release Pride Beer (A portion of the proceeds from their EQUAL lime pepper saison will be donated to Spectrum), ciders and non-alcoholic drink options available, delicious food, and lots of great people!


Saturday June 15, 2024 1-4pm – Woolwich Pride

Find us at the second annual Woolwich Pride in Gibson Park! This is a a free, family-friendly event that is open to the public. Enjoy food, music, magic, face painting, and so much more!

Find details here.


Sunday June 16, 2024 11am-4pm Cowboys & Angels Cut-a-Thon

Cowboys and Angels uptown Waterloo is celebrating 25 years in business with an all ages complementary event featuring Tynomi Banks, Carson Kressley, Boa, Miss Drew, Melody Bijou, Sasha Tease, Archer Backmore, Vanity Affairr, Miss Conduct, and Hands on Exotics. There will be readings from Stars and Crown, and tunes by DJliquidg.

Haircuts by appointment only from the talented staff will be taking place inside. There will be a food truck, BBQ, raffle prizes AND MORE! 


Pride Walking Tour

Unfortunately, this didn’t quite come together in time for this year but watch for it to happen in the future! Stroll Walking Tours, RCWR, and Spectrum will continue to develop this Pride Walking Tour of Downtown Kitchener. If you have stories or ideas for what should be included please let us know!


Thursday June 20, 2024 6:15pm-7:45pm Conversations for Community Care – 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health

We are pleased to be participating in this panel discussion on 2SLGBTQIA+ Mental Health, organized by Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services.

This is a free event, open to everyone, and attendees will leave with ideas, tools, and resources for supporting their own mental health as well as the mental health of other 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the community.

Register here


Saturday July 13, 2024 – Pride Market and Rainbow Elders Panel

Join Schneider Haus and Spectrum on July 13th for our Pride Market and elder talk event! This isn’t just your average market, its a celebration of everything our vibrant community has to offer! Our event will have something for everybody with an amazing line up of  vendors,  LIVE music performed by Coraline James, a panel discussion with Rainbow Elders and story time and crafts with the Kitchener Public Library. Support our wonderful community and enjoy free PRIDE cookies and glitter tattoos all afternoon long! We can’t wait to celebrate Pride with you!

The market is open on July 13th from 12-4pm at Schneider Haus (466 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W7). 

12pm-12:50pm – Performance by Coraline James

1-2pm – Rainbow Elders Panel

2-3pm – Storytime with KPL

3-4pm – crafts

All activities will be taking place outdoors at Schneider Haus.


Thursday June 13, 2024 6-9:30pm – Third Annual Fundraising Gala

Our third annual fundraising gala will take place on June 13, 2024! Get your tickets here!

Our headliner is Brandon Ash-Mohammed, a fresh face in comedy. Brandon has been named a JFL Montreal New Face and was the winner of a Canadian Screen Award for his work as Head Writer on Canada’s Drag Race.

Our MC is Robert Watson, an award-winning playwright, performer, fragrance aficionado extraordinaire, and producer and host of Gay AF. The show will also feature high-energy punch-up comedian Mikey Dykeman and Second City-trained, Rush Kazi.

Get your tickets here!

Thank You to our Silent Auction Item Donors!

All Things Tea

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health

Canada’s Wonderland

Canadian Museum of History

Canadian War Museum

Canoeing the Grand

Cedars – a gay and lesbian campground

CN Tower

Cocoon Apothecary

Counterpoint Brewing Company

Crafty Ramen

Delta Waterloo

Donald Ross

Foodland Ayr

Four Fathers Brewing Co

Gifted Waterloo

Graffiti Market/Stockyards Brewing

Green Room Barbershop

Hair of the Dog Pub

Home Hardware Stores

Indigo

Jane Baggesen

Jill at Tied Together Macrame Collective

Katie Brown

Long & McQuade

Lonsdale Grove

Mermaid Springs Pottery

My Pet Skeleton

odd duck wine & provisions

Paint By Munzy

Royal Ontario Museum

Scavenger Hunts by Let’s Roam

Stantec

Starbucks

Stroll Walking Tours

Sundance Balloons

The Keg

Vincenzo’s

Waterloo Brewing Company

Wellington Brewery

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Events, Fundraising

Pride Pickleball Fundraiser Tournament 2024

Spectrum Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, is proud to announce the first Pride Pickleball Fundraiser Tournament and Player Clinic in Canada, set to take place on May 18, 2024 at RIM Park in Waterloo.

The Pride Pickleball Fundraiser Tournament and Player Clinic aims to raise awareness and funds in support of Spectrum’s vital programming, which serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Waterloo Region.

Here’s the Poster you can share with your friends.

Schedule

TimeEvent
8:30 AMPlayer Clinic Registration Opens
9 AM – 11 AMPlayer Clinic
11:30 AMTournament Registration Opens
12 – 4:30Tournament

Purchase Tickets

Purchase Tickets Here!

If you can’t make it, please cancel your ticket so that we can fill your spot from our waitlist. If you need to cancel the day of the tournament, please email troy@ourspectrum.com

Event Sponsors

This event would not be possible without the support of Pickleball of Waterloo Wellington Region (POWWR). With the gift of time from their volunteers, SPECTRUM is able to benefit from nearly all the ticket sales.

The City of Waterloo’s Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) team has generously agreed to cover 100% of the rental cost of RIM Park (valued over $2,500), demonstrating their commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the community.

Prize Sponsors

Each Prize Sponsor donated $100 in the form of a donation to Spectrum or through a donation of services/products with a value of $100. Again, with their support we’ve been able to raise more money for the program.

Thank you:

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SPECTRUM News

Transgender Peer Support Group Updates – March 4, 2024

The Transmasc Peer Support Group has returned to its regular schedule — the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 7-9pm!

The full schedule of Trans Peer Support Groups is:

-Transgender Peer Support Group – 1st and 3rd Thursday and 2nd and 4th Monday

-Transmasc Peer Support Group – 1st and 3rd Monday

-Beyond the Binary – 4th Tuesday of the month

-Cambridge Trans Peer Support Group – biweekly on Thursdays

Be sure to check the Rainbow Community Calendar for the most up to date details on all of Spectrum’s programs and other 2SLGBTQIA+ events across the region!

A special thanks to the volunteers who make these groups possible!

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Awareness

Black History Month: Andrea Jenkins

Born May 10, 1961

Andrea Jenkins is an American politician, writer and poet who made US history by being the first openly Black trans woman to be elected to public office in 2018. Andrea was born in 1961, in Chicago and spent her childhood living in lower-income working class communities with her single mother. From a young age, Andrea was heavily involved in arts, often writing and creating poems and other spoken word pieces.

Andrea came out as gay in her 20s, and began to transition in her 30s. She returned to college attending Metropolitan State University, to finish her bachelor’s degree. Following that, she earned two masters degrees, one in Creative Writing and one in Community Based Economic Development. Her political career started shortly after, when she worked as a vocational counselor for the Hennepin County Government.

In 2005, Jenkins worked as a political aide to Elizabeth Glidden, and earned a fellowship focusing on trans issues. She successfully established the Transgender Issues Group in 2014, and organized a council summit to highlight the struggles and issues trans folks face in Minnesota. In 2016, after Elizabeth Glidden decided not to run for re-election, Andrea Jenkins announced her campaign, with the slogan “Leadership. Access. Equity.” The following year, she successfully won with over 70% of the votes.

In her other endeavours, Andrea has participated in the Trans Lives Matter movement, and was the grand marshal of Twin Cities Pride Parade. In 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first Pride parade, she was named one of 50 heroes leading the nation towards equality, acceptance, and dignity.

Currently, Jenkins is a performance artist and poet, and lives with her partner of eight years. Her contributions and representation as a trans woman in politics have paved the way for many other folks to become more involved in the political landscape.

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Awareness

Black History Month: Miss Major

Born in Chicago in the 1940s, Miss Major is a trans activist and icon well known for her outspoken activism towards trans rights and freedoms. As a young child, Miss Major often explored her gender expression, trying on her mothers’ clothes while no one was home, and befriending older drag queens who allowed her to experiment with makeup and dressing in drag. When Miss Major came out as trans to her family, they struggled accepting her transition and gender identity. At the age of 16, Miss Major graduated from high school and moved into a post-secondary dorm room.

Although she had been out to her close family and friends, she still presented in a traditionally masculine way, resulting in her being placed in a men’s dorm. During this time, Miss Major was outed when one of her roommates found dresses and makeup in her room, leading to her expulsion from the college.

After her expulsion, Miss Major moved to New York in 1962 and began working as a sex worker. While in New York, Miss Major became involved with drag shows, and performed as a showgirl. Within the community, Miss Major was accepted for who she was, and began to feel a sense of belonging. During the Stonewall Riot in 1969, Miss Major played a role in protecting queer community members against the brutality by the police. As an activist, Miss Major has said that although Stonewall was a turning point in the 2LSBGTQ+ rights movement, transgender and queer women of colour had long since been advocating and organizing for the rights and freedoms of the community. 

In 1988, Miss Major and her partner moved to San Diego California. She continued working as a drag performer, and started mentoring younger drag performers and trans women, earning her the nickname Mama Major. During the AIDS crisis in the 80s, Miss Major became involved in AIDS activism after losing her partner. Moving to San Francisco in 1995, Miss Major continued her work in HIV/AIDS activism, becoming a health promoter and educator for Tenderloin AIDS Research Center. She developed a mobile outreach centre, where she went into the streets to meet with unhoused folks who needed assistance. 

Currently, Miss Major lives in Arkansas with her partner, and has continued her work in activism and advocacy.

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Awareness

Black History Month: Stormé DeLarverie

B. December 24, 1920 – D. May 24, 2014

Stormé DeLarverie was a long-time gay rights activist and drag king, known as one of the founding figures in the drag community and pioneers of gender-fluidity. DeLarverie was born in New Orleans in 1920 and spent many years of her life performing and hosting at venues such as the Apollo Theater, and Radio City Music Hall.

An important aspect of DeLarverie’s history is the role she played in the Stonewall Rebellion. Stormé confirmed and often spoke about throwing the first punch at The Stonewall Inn. During a police raid in the early morning on June 28th, 1969, a woman (often thought to be Stormé) was the victim of police brutality while being handcuffed. As tensions rose, and police violence increased, a larger scuffle ensued, causing what is now known as the Stonewall Rebellion. 

In the aftermath of the events that took place at Stonewall, Stormé DeLarverie continued to be a fierce activist and key player in the Gay Liberation movement in New York. She was an active member of the Stonewall Veterans’ Association, and was a regular in Pride parade and celebrations for many years after. She also spent many years as a volunteer street patrol worker, guarding and keeping an eye on queer folks in The Village. On top of her work with the Gay Liberation Movement, Stormé also organized and planned benefits and fundraisers for victims and children of domestic violence.  

Often credited as a force to be reckoned with, Stormé DeLarverie lived her life in service of the queer community, advocating and fighting for equitable treatment and freedoms for all. In 2019 on the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, she was honored as one of the inaugural fifty American Pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes inducted onto the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor at the Stonewall National Monument. 

Stormé DeLarverie passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 24, 2014 after a dementia diagnosis. Her contributions to the 2SLGBTQIA+ liberation movement, and passion for justice and protecting the next generation of queer folks will never be forgotten.

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