Research, Survey

Perception of LGBTQ2+ people in Waterloo Region: SPECTRUM’s survey results

Perception of LGBTQ2+ people in Waterloo Region: SPECTRUM’s survey results

One of the key accountabilities defined in Project Excelsior’s WAGE Grant funding application was to conduct community surveys both of LGBTQ2+ people and non-LGBTQ2+ people in Waterloo Region. In conducting a survey of non-LGBTQ2+ people in Waterloo Region, the goal was to better understand community perceptions of LGBTQ2+ people, knowledge gaps, and what support we can provide to non-LGBTQ2+ people looking to become better allies.

In part thanks to the assistance of community partners and stakeholders, SPECTRUM received 367 qualifying responses to our survey – which was more than double the response that we got to our Spring LGBTQ2+ Community Survey. A huge thank you to everyone who either completed the survey or helped promote it!

One of the things we heard during the survey process was that there was interest in the outcome, so now that the analysis of the results is complete SPECTRUM is making a report summarizing the survey results available.

Click here for a summary report that presents the most notable findings.

Click here for a full research summary that includes open-ended response data.

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Panel Discussion

LGBTQ2+ Parenting: Straight Parents of Queer Kids

LGBTQ2+ Parenting: Straight Parents of Queer Kids

The first in a series of four virtual panel discussions for Pride month. In partnership with PFLAG Waterloo, Wellington, Perth Region SPECTRUM presents a panel of four straight, cisgender parents who will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting LGBTQ2+ children. Moderated by Suzie Taka. Recorded June 9, 2021. Thank you to our panelists: Theresa Barrick, Emily Gaede, Maryanne Paul, and Matt Lucid.

View Video

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SPECTRUM News

SPECTRUM launches two new trans support programs

SPECTRUM launches two new trans support programs

SPECTRUM is pleased to announce the launch of two new programs aimed at supporting Transgender people and their partners, friends, and family:

Partners, Family and Friends of Transgender Folk:

Coming out as transgender is an incredibly challenging journey not only for the transgender identifying individual, but also for their partners, family, and friends. As transgender folk we often lose sight of the effect our transition has on those who love and support us. This support group is for non-transgender folk who have someone in their life who is transgender. It is a place of shared community where you can chat with others who are also learning how to adapt to this new world. We meet the second Wednesday of every month from 7PM – 9PM.

Join us for the launch of this program on Wednesday June 9th at 7PM. Contact us for access details.    

45+ Transgender Folk

Those of us born prior to the digital age grew up in an era where there was little information, understanding or support on being transgender. This lack of access to information and community uniquely shaped our journey. Come and join others in exploring and sharing with others just like you. This drop-in group is open to 45+ Transgender identifying folks. We meet the second Thursday of every month from 7PM – 9PM.

Join us for the launch of this program on Thursday June 10th at 7PM. Contact us for access details.    

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SPECTRUM News

SPECTRUM and KW Counselling Services partner to provide counselling to LGBTQ2+ people.

SPECTRUM and KW Counselling Services partner to provide counselling to LGBTQ2+ people.

June 1, 2020
Waterloo Region, Ontario

SPECTRUM and KW Counselling Services partner to provide counselling to LGBTQ2+ people.

SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, and KW Counselling Services, have partnered to provide no cost and subsidized counselling to members of the LGBTQ2+ community. SPECTRUM has started the Chrysalis Fund in memory of a member of their Board of Directors who died by suicide. Monies from the Chrysalis Fund will be used to provide counselling services through the OK2BME program at KW Counselling Services.

Since 2005, the OK2BME program at KW Counselling Services has provided counselling services to LGBTQ2+ people, leadership and recreation youth groups, and public education and consultations on LGBTQ2+ issues. “We’re very grateful to SPECTRUM for recognizing the importance of accessible mental health services,” says Rebecca Webb, Executive Director. “LGBTQ2+ people have some unique stressors that can make them especially vulnerable to mental health challenges. We’re proud of the work we do through OK2BME.”

Cait Glasson, President of SPECTRUM notes “The Chrysalis Fund is very important to our board members. Early this year, we lost a member to suicide and we want to ensure that transgender and gender non-binary folks have access to the counselling they need.”

LGBTQ2+ people will be able to refer themselves to the program by calling KW Counselling Services at 519.884.0000. “The service will be offered on a sliding scale,” says Washington Silk, OK2BME Program Coordinator. “Those who are able to pay something will be asked to do so. The Chrysalis Fund will cover the rest of the cost. No one will be turned away based on an inability to pay. The Chrysalis Fund will cover the entire cost where necessary.”

“We were able to start the Chrysalis Fund with a grant from the 100 Men who Give a Damn,” says Glasson. “We’re very grateful for their support and we will be looking to the community to help us continue this work. People can make contributions at ourspectrum.com.”

About SPECTRUM: SPECTRUM is Waterloo Region’s first-ever LGBTQ2+ / Rainbow community space! Since opening our doors in 2012, SPECTRUM has developed into an organization with programming, social groups, special projects, research, events, and resources, plus a space where the community can connect. SPECTRUM is the centre of our rainbow community and continues to grow to support the needs of LGTBQ2+ folk across Waterloo Region.

About KW Counselling Services: KW Counselling Services is celebrating 70 years as a multi-service agency
offering counselling supports to individuals, couples, and families in Waterloo Region. In addition to our
accessible mental health services, we offer parenting education and supports through our Parenting with
Passion and Parenting Now programs; specialized services including counselling, and recreation and leadership
youth groups for LGBTQ2+ youth through our OK2BME program; community development and training
opportunities for members of multicultural communities; as well as training and placement opportunities for
graduate students in social work and related fields.

Media Contacts:
Dani Bazely, SPECTRUM, communications@ourspectrum.com
Scott Williams, KW Counselling Services, swilliams@kwcounselling.com

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SPECTRUM News

SPECTRUM Waterloo Opportunity – Co-Facilitator, Transgender Peer Support Group

SPECTRUM Waterloo Opportunity – Co-Facilitator, Transgender Peer Support Group

Job Posting_ Trans Peer Support Co-Facilitators (Cambridge)

Trans Peer Support Group Facilitator Recruitment Poster

Job Posting

Co-Facilitator, Transgender Peer Support Group (Cambridge) x2

Part-time, Contract

SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space

Posting Date: June 1, 2021

Closing Date: June 20, 2021

Thanks to a grant from the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation, SPECTRUM is able to fund two co-facilitators to run a Transgender Peer Support Group specifically for Cambridge. This will be a pilot project for one year with the goal of developing this into an ongoing service. These two positions will not be employees but will be paid stipends:

$25/hour, two hours bi-weekly, 26 weeks

Pay will be by cheque, once per month on the 15th

Our new co-facilitators will shadow our existing Transgender Peer Support Group facilitators for two meetings in July before beginning the new group. Our Transgender Services Coordinator will oversee this project. The new Cambridge group will begin in late July.

Reporting to our Acting Executive Director and our Transgender Services Coordinator, the two co-facilitators will work together to facilitate a two-hour group every second week. Initially, this will take place virtually using Zoom. When it is safe to do so, we will move to an in-person location in Cambridge. This group will be a resource for anyone age 18+ that identifies within the transgender variant umbrella, including but not limited to: transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, gender fluid, non-binary, genderless, agender, non-gendered, third gender, two-spirit, bigender, transman, transwoman, neutrois, questioning and beyond.

Qualifications:

  • Must be 25 years of age or older
  • Must be able to commit to working the same evening every two weeks (proposed Tuesdays and Fridays to integrate better with our existing offerings)
  • Must have access to reliable high-speed internet and a private place to work from
  • Must have access to reliable transportation within Cambridge
  • Must identify as transgender or non-binary
  • Preference will be given to applicants who live in Cambridge or North Dumfries
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience facilitating groups

To apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter via email by the end of the day, June 20, 2021

info@ourspectrum.com

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Media

IDAHOTB 2021: Together resisting, Supporting, and Healing

IDAHOTB 2021: Together resisting, Supporting, and Healing

Created in 2004, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia exists to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ2+ people. It is observed on May 17th to commemorate the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, which did not occur until 1990.

While strides have been made with regard to equality for people with marginalized sexual orientations, LGBTQ2+ people still do not have equal rights. And while people have grown more accustomed to gay and lesbian relationships, discrimination against Bisexual and Pansexual people is still shockingly rampant. Bisexual people experience higher rates of violence and are less likely to receive critical health screenings than gay men and lesbians.

People attracted to multiple genders also have much lower social support than gay men and lesbians. Bisexual people are significantly less likely to be out to everyone in their lives. There is also still widespread distrust of Bisexual and Pansexual people as potential romantic partners, even within the LGBTQ2+ community. This inter-LGBTQ2+ discrimination means that Bisexual and Pansexual people both experience more severe marginalization and have less access to the social support needed to deal with that marginalization.

The escalation of hateful rhetoric over the “trans debate” in the United States and the UK is another painful reminder of how far we still have to go. Politicians fan the flames of transgender and non-binary hatred by “debating” their existence and pushing legislation aimed at banning them from public spaces and public life.

In the United States, more than 100 anti-trans bills have been proposed in 33 states banning things like trans participation in sports or even transition-related medical care. And while Canada, a notable haven for “rainbow refugees” and one of the first countries to legalize marriage equality, conversion “therapy” is still legal in half of the provinces.

There is no scientific evidence that a person’s gender or sexual orientation can be changed through “therapy”, and a wealth of evidence to support that people who experience conversion “therapy” experience lasting and irreparable harm. A third of men who survive conversion “therapy” go on to attempt suicide. And yet, there are federal MPs who are currently advocating against efforts to fully outlaw this outdated and unspeakably cruel practice.

This May 17th, LGBTQ2+ people need your support more than ever. LGBTQ2+ people have disproportionately suffered the economic and health impacts of COVID 19, and are doing their best to get by during a cultural moment in which it’s seen as acceptable to debate their very existence. So please ask yourself: what direct action can I take to support LGBTQ2+ people in my community, and what might that look like?

Whatever you decide, remember that silence is not an option if you truly care about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ2+ people in your community.

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SPECTRUM News

SPECTRUM Waterloo Opportunity – Call for an Advisor/Sensitivity Reader

SPECTRUM Waterloo Opportunity – Call for an Advisor/Sensitivity Reader 

The Opportunity

SPECTRUM recognizes that the organization has work to do to ensure that its programs and services are accessible and relevant to all members of the community. This work will include audits of our existing programs and services, the development of new programs, development of evaluations and outcomes for programs and services, consultations and training in anti-racism, inclusion, and accessibility.

SPECTRUM is seeking a sensitivity reader to assist in the creation of a Request for Proposal. The RFP will enable the organization to hire an Indigenous consultant and a Black consultant for internal review of its programs and policies.

Scope:

Completion of the Request for Proposal must take no longer than two weeks, approximately 5-8 hours. Work will be done collaboratively over 2-4 sittings via Zoom. Compensation: CAD 200 in total.

Disclaimer:

Those involved in this work are ineligible to apply for the consultancy role when the RFP is released.

Job Overview:

  • Co-create a draft Request for Proposal through the lens of Indigenous and Black community needs, ensuring there are nobarriers to employment
  • Communicate recommendations to SPECTRUM promptly
  • Work from home, flexible hours

Requirements:

  • Lived experience or extensive knowledge of the LGBTQ2+ community
  • Experienced copy editor and proofreader
  • Detail-driven; self-directed
  • Able to make an impact within a cooperative team environment
  • A skilled, written, and verbal communicator with the ability to convey ideas in a clear andconcise manner

About SPECTRUM

SPECTRUM is Waterloo Region’s first-ever LGBTQ2+ / Rainbow community space! SPECTRUM is an organization that serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of LGBTQ2+ individuals in Waterloo Region and the broader community through peer support, community partnerships, education and training, resources, and events.

To apply:

Submit a resume via email to Kristy Skelton by the end of the day, May 30, 2021

Acting Executive Director
Kristy Skelton
info@ourspectrum.com

Thank you for your interest in SPECTRUM! Should your skills and experience match the requirements for the role, you will be contacted in a timely manner.

Follow us on: Twitter @our_SPECTRUM, Facebook @SpectrumCommunitySpace, Instagram @spectrumwaterlooregion, Linkedin at SPECTRUM Waterloo Region.

SPECTRUM Waterloo is committed to creating a culture of diversity and belonging. We appreciate all who apply.

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SPECTRUM News

TransNAV GPS Is Now Live!

TransNAV GPS Is Now Live!

TransNAV GPS is a service that has been developed for SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space to help transgender-identifying people find service providers within and outside of Waterloo Region. The directory is organized by categories: Medical, Mental Health, Employment, Legal, Housing, Social, Personal, and Other.

This is an evolving resource which we will continue to update. If you know of any services or providers that you would like to see added please send a message to our Trans Services Coordinator or fill in the form at the bottom of this page. Please include as much detail as you can and we will work to get it added to the directory.

TransNAV GPS was developed with funding from the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) administered by the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation  and Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation.

Click Here

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SPECTRUM News

LGBTQ2+ Community Capacity Fund News Release

Investing in LGBTQ2 Communities: Minister Bardish Chagger Highlights LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund Recipient in Waterloo Region

From: Canadian Heritage

News release

WATERLOO, Ontario, March 31, 2021

The Government of Canada is working to support LGBTQ2 organizations and the critical work they do to create a more equitable and consciously more inclusive Canada. The government is fully committed to building a society where everyone has an equal opportunity to be their true authentic selves. That’s why, on February 11, 2021, we announced 76 recipients of the first ever LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and Member of Parliament (Waterloo), met with representatives of SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space today. The organization recently received $279,782 from the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund to support its community-building efforts.

Led by SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, this project will strengthen the organization’s capacity by improving board governance, developing a strategic plan, and focusing on sustainability, succession, and financial planning. The project will also make better use of evidence, data, information, and knowledge sources through an environmental scan that assesses community needs. On top of that, it will help build capacity by offering skills training as well as sensitivity training opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all Canadians and certain segments disproportionately, including LGBTQ2 communities. Through the $20-million LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund, the Government of Canada recognizes that the work of these organizations is critical for better social, health, and economic outcomes in LGBTQ2 communities, which is why the important work that LGBTQ2 organizations do deserves targeted investments to ensure the sustainability of these communities. See the full list of supported organizations.

Quotes

“The LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund helps advance equity for LGBTQ2 communities by supporting organizations across the country in building new tools, enhancing collaboration, and strengthening organizational development at the local level. The Government of Canada is committed to working with LGBTQ2 individuals and community-led organizations from coast to coast to coast to combat discrimination in all its forms. By supporting projects like SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, we are working to build back an even better and consciously more inclusive Canada where everyone can be their true authentic selves.”

—The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, and Member of Parliament (Waterloo)

“SPECTRUM is one of 76 organizations that has received capacity building support from the first federal investment in the LGBTQ2 fund. By supplementing existing funds, this will create jobs, improve the quality of life and increase equity for LGBTQ2 Canadians. The Government of Canada proudly supports the work of these essential organizations. Congratulations to all involved.”

—The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“I am proud of the work that SPECTRUM does to support the LGBTQ2+ community in Waterloo Region. They are a valuable resource in our community. I am happy that they have received this funding to support the expansion of their social programs and web presence. The Community Capacity Fund was created to support organizations like this who are making a difference in communities across Canada.”

—Tim Louis, Member of Parliament (Kitchener–Conestoga)

“SPECTRUM is a welcome and important presence in our community for our LGBTQ2+ neighbours. I am pleased that the Community Capacity Fund will help SPECTRUM expand its presence, build its capacity, and continue to foster a safe space. We must continue to support, affirm, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and I look forward to working with the staff and volunteers at SPECTRUM as they develop new initiatives and partnerships. “

—Raj Saini, Member of Parliament (Kitchener Centre)

“SPECTRUM is grateful for the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund and thanks the Government of Canada for its generous support in helping us build a larger and more stable organization that can better serve LGBTQ2+ people in Waterloo Region. Our new staff team has already done some excellent work in building up our capacity and we look forward to sharing updates about our progress throughout the year.”

—Cait Glasson, Board President, SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space

Quick facts

  • The LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund call for proposals ran from on March 5, 2020 to May 14, 2020.
  • On February 11, 2021, Minister Chagger and Minister Monsef announced $15 million for 76 LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund projects across Canada.
  • As part of the COVID-19 response, the Government of Canada is investing $350 million in the Emergency Community Support Fund to support charities and non-profit organizations requiring financial assistance to address the impact of the pandemic.
  • In addition to the $20 million investment in Budget 2019 to support capacity building and community-level work by Canadian LGBTQ2 organizations, the Government of Canada has also made the following investments:
    • Global Affairs Canada announced more than $30 million to improve socioeconomic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries;
    • The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy includes major investments in Pride events across Canada;
    • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced increased support for LGBTQI refugees fleeing violence and persecution through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership; and;
    • Canadian Heritage has committed $2 million over two years under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program for Pride and LGBTQ2 events.
  • On November 27, 2020, as a first step towards the first ever Federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan, Minister Bardish Chagger announced the launch of the public engagement process. Various engagement activities help the Government of Canada better understand the daily realities and experiences of LGBTQ2 people in Canada in areas such as employment, healthcare, housing and homelessness, and safety.

Related products

Associated links

Contacts

For more information (media only), please contact:

Emelyana Titarenko
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth
emelyana.titarenko@canada.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

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