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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SPECTRUM News

Annual General Meeting Notice – 2024

TAKE NOTICE that the Annual General Meeting of the Members of SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space  (“SPECTRUM”) will be held on October 29, 2024 at 7pm at Libro Credit Union (165 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1A7) for the following purposes :

  1. Receiving and approving the Minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting
  2. Receiving the 2023 Annual Statement and Auditors Report
  3. Electing Directors 

Register to attend here

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SPECTRUM News

New Horizons for Seniors Grant 2024

Spectrum is pleased to announce that we have received funding under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for our Aging with Pride program.

This federal grants and contributions program supports projects that are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of others in their communities.

The funds will be used to help us create a 2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Visiting program in which 2SLGBTQIA+ volunteers will visit 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors to help ensure they stay connected to the local rainbow community.

Thank you to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for the funding support provided to Spectrum. It will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community.

For more information, visit New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects.

If you’re interested in volunteering to be part of this program please check out the listing here.

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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, 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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