My name is Jennifer Albu (she/her). Many years ago, I attended York University and got a BA in Computer Science. I have worked in IT throughout my career mostly in database and data warehouse development. Currently I am helping the fortune 100 with their Data Governance Programs.
I have many interests including horseback riding, hiking, reading, cooking, modern board gaming and I am an avid computer gamer (MMO’s & RPG’s). I live in Kitchener and have two grown daughters and three grand children.
What led you to volunteer at SPECTRUM?
I have a friend who knew about SPECTRUM, knew they had a games night and knew I love teaching people board games, so they strongly recommended that I apply.
Why is SPECTRUM important to you?
I am making new friends of all ages all over the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum. I look forward to every Friday evening.
How does volunteering help you develop a sense of belonging or community?
My name is Tyler Herrington, and my pronouns are he/him. I identify as ace-spec and aro-spec, only coming to realize this in the last few years. I moved to the Waterloo Region in 2016 from Vancouver, BC to pursue a PhD related to Arctic climate science, where I have been researching the performance of permafrost soil temperatures in climate models. More specifically, I am interested in how differences in snow cover between models can influence errors in permafrost estimates. Prior to beginning a PhD, I worked as a Lab Instructor/Technician in Geography at a community college in the Vancouver region, and have occasionally taught as a sessional lecturer.
What led you to volunteer at SPECTRUM? After moving to the Waterloo Region, I joined the KW Ace Space community, which began as a Meetup group in KW, and recently merged with Spectrum in 2021. I had been quite actively involved with the KW Ace Space, and when Spectrum mentioned that they were looking for a co-facilitator for the Ace and Aro Space, I figured that it would be a good chance to become involved in an official capacity!
Why is SPECTRUM important to you? Spectrum offers a wonderful safe space for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in KW to make use of and has been so instrumental in helping me further explore my aspec identity, and meet others in the community!
How does volunteering help you develop a sense of belonging or community? As a volunteer, I help co-facilitate the Ace/Aro Space, as well as the Saturday Drop Ins. I have also had the opportunity to help with the Tri-Pride events, and through these programs and events, it has given me the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful members of both the Aspec, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Through co-facilitation of the Ace/Aro Space meetings, I have been consistently learning more about the Ace and Aro communities and have certainly learned more about my own identity as well!
What’s on your playlist right now?
My playlist is a chaotic mix of Metalcore, Folk Metal, and covers of video game music (mostly from Pokémon and Zelda).
We are so excited to officially announce our brand new Youth Under the Rainbow Programming!
As previously announced we have received a generous two-year Children Initiatives grant from the Lyle S. Hallman foundation. This grant has allowed us to create the Youth Under the Rainbow program, provide Rainbow Diversity Training to our organizational partners, and hire a full-time coordinator to lead this wonderful work.
Spectrum has noticed a need for safe and supportive spaces, particularly for 2SLGBTQ+ children ages 4-12. As such our Youth Under the Rainbow Programming looks to meet this need by partnering with some wonderful organizations including the Waterloo Public Library, Kitchener Public Library, The Region of Waterloo Public Libraries, Idea Exchange in Cambridge, and Artshine.
We are thrilled to announce that our first program will be starting from May 6th – June 10 at Artshine! This Program will run every Saturday from 10-11:30 am. Registration is open now.
Our Artshine Program will be a FREE registered program for 2SLGBTQ+ children and allies ages 8-12, to come and create art at Studio 44. We will be running this Program three times a year, each with six sessions. Due to space, we are only able to provide 15 spots a session, however, we encourage individuals to sign up for one or more sessions as we will be exploring colour through a wide range of mediums.
Our second style of programming is in collaboration with our wonderful public libraries which will provide free programming focusing on ages 4-10. These programs will focus on providing a safe and supportive space for 2SLGBTQ+ children, families, and allies to make some crafts, have fun making connections with others, and reading supportive and inclusive literature. Keep an eye out on our calendar, as many of these programs will be starting this July!
During programs, we will also be providing evaluation surveys to participants to give us feedback on this program, and how we might improve it. Data will be collected anonymously and shared with the community to see help us understand how these programs have affected the participants’ sense of belonging.
We can’t wait to see all of you! Make sure to keep an eye out on our calendar, for program dates. times, and locations.
March 31st is the International Day of Transgender Visibility. International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. This year, we are excited to announce the re-launch of our TransNAV GPS Directory!
Originally launched in the summer of 2021, TransNAV GPS is an online directory designed to help local trans folks find service providers in a variety of areas, such as: medical, mental health, employment, legal, housing, social organizations and personal care.
Funding from the LGBTQ2+ Community Capacity Fund extension allowed us to contract with Melissa Paige Kennedy, the originator of the project, to revisit the directory and make it more user friendly. The re-launched directory currently includes more than 160 listings in various categories. It is now possible for organizations to create an account for the directory where they can create and manage their own listing.
If you represent an organization that serves transgender people in Waterloo Region we encourage you to visit the “Dashboard” tab on TransNAV GPS to create your account!
Spectrum is grateful for the support of Women And Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) who administered the LGBTQ2+ Community Capacity Fund extension.
Since April 2022, we have been partnering with the Stanley Park Community Centre to offer the 2SLGBTQIA+ Multi-Sport Drop-In on Saturdays. This program has run seasonally with short breaks of a few weeks between sessions. It’s been extremely successful with up to 20 participants attending each week.
As announced earlier this month, we have received a grant from Sport Canada to expand this program and conduct a robust evaluation of it in partnership with the Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. We will now be able to offer a second Multi-Sport Drop-In on Saturday afternoons at the Downtown Community Centre in Kitchener. We hope that participants in these sessions will help us by completing evaluation surveys. This grant also includes funds that will allow us to provide Rainbow Diversity Training to as many as 200 City of Kitchener employees who work with the community centres.
In our ongoing efforts to provide more programming in Cambridge, we have partnered with Kinbridge Community Association to run a third Multi-Sport Drop-In on Saturday afternoons in Cambridge!
Spectrum is very grateful to our partners at the City of Kitchener community centres, Kinbridge Community Association, and Wilfrid Laurier University for helping us make this programming possible. We are also grateful to Sport Canada for recognizing the importance of creating opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to participate in sports and recreation.
Please Note: Though these Drop-Ins take place on most Saturdays, they do not take place EVERY Saturday. Please be sure to check our calendar for details.
Laura Mae Lindo earned both a Masters and PhD in Education, and was the Director, Diversity and Equity at Wilfrid Laurier University before becoming the Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre. Laura Mae is an active community organizer, loves to write, and is drawn to music and creative advocacy, focusing her attention on supporting the most vulnerable communities in all that she does. She was the inaugural Chair of the Official Opposition’s Black Caucus in Ontario and holds both the Anti-racism and Equity as well as the Colleges and Universities critic portfolios. And, if you hand her a microphone, she will sing.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means a lot to me because I know that incorporating Black history into the narrative of our communities’ histories is something that requires intentional organizing, planning, and action. There is no other way to create the world that we want to see without dedicated attention to stories that have often been silenced in the hopes of one day being forgotten.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Believing in the power and guidance of my ancestors and community mentors who support and care for me, my family, and my work in community, I am proudest of having sung to my ancestors in the Chamber at Queen’s Park after concluding my speech in support of Bill 75, the Emancipation Month Act which declared August Emancipation Month in Ontario. This Bill passed with the support of ONDP, Green, Liberal, and Conservative party support – a first in Ontario’s history, and sits alongside a few other “firsts” for me. Shortly after my first election in 2018, I was told that I was the first Black person to be elected to Provincial or Federal government in Waterloo region and that it was the first time that Kitchener Center had ever sent a member of the Ontario NDP to Queen’s Park. That’s all super cool… but I did spend a lot of time wondering if, in the words of Beyoncé, they were “ready for this jelly.”
Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region and what allyship to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can look like.
When I found out about these “firsts” I was both humbled and a little worried. If it took until 2018 to send a Black person to Queen’s Park, how much longer do we have to wait to be part of the leadership fabric in other tangible ways? That’s why my hope is that Waterloo Region will not stop at firsts, but will instead fight to ensure the inclusion of Black, Indigenous, racialized, queer and 2Spirit people become future representatives of the communities being served both Provincially and Federally. I imagine a space where allyship to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as well as those fighting to survive on ODSP and OW becomes part of everyday leadership. That is what I mean when I fight to have more leaders lead from a place of love, care, and compassion.
What’s on your playlist right now?
I have introduced my children to Dalbello and lots of vault-worthy Prince (you’re welcome). I also have a playlist that my family made for my Daddy featuring all the songs he loved including theme songs to some of his favorite television programs. I miss him dearly, but I carry his spirit and his heart with me with the music my wee fam-jam rocks out to each and every day.
Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah (“Oh-woo-suu” – “Ah-CHEE-Yah”) is a first-generation Ghanaian-Canadian cisgender queer woman who is dedicated to the liberation of all her communities. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity and based in Ottawa. Debbie has deep roots in program and project management, gender-based analysis, feminist foreign policy and international affairs. She completed her graduate school studies in International Affairs, specializing in International Development Policy at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (Carleton University).
She has worked at Global Affairs Canada as a policy analyst responsible for strategic advice on child protection, gender equality and broader sexual and gender-based violence issues, with a particular focus on adolescent girls and the girl child. Prior to CCGSD, she was Campaign and Outreach Officer at Oxfam Canada, responsible for developing public engagement strategies to advance gender justice. She has also been a Board member and Chair of several organizations, including the Platform and Harmony House Women’s Shelter. Debbie is currently Co-Chair of Dignity Network Canada’s Advocacy and Government Relations Working Group and she is also involved in assisting coordination globally around opposition to the anti-LGBTIQ bill in the Ghanaian parliament.
Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?
I am obsessed with bell hooks’ feminist literature. Her love trilogy (All About Love: New Visions, Salvation: Black People and Love, and Communion: The Female Search for Love) has completely changed the way I view love. Her work on love has shifted the way I show up as a Black feminist activist, a community member, and a person.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am proud of the instrumental work I have contributed to influencing 2SLGBTQ+ rights and gender justice.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Lots of Meshell Ndegeocello! My favourite song from her is, “Long Song #3”
Osmel B. Guerra Maynes is a proud Afro-Latino cisgender queer man who has called Canada home for more than 10 years. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Antigua and Barbuda, Osmel immigrated to Canada as an international student in 2003 to pursue a political science degree at Carleton University.
Osmel is a social justice activist with a focus on enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices. Osmel became the first Executive Director of Capital Pride/ Fierté dans la Capitale which organizes the pride festival in the National Capital Region (Ottawa & Gatineau) and has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, In 2021 Osmel joined the team at HQ Toronto which is a centre of excellence in sexual, mental, and social health for CIS guys into guys, trans and nonbinary folks as their Director of Organizational Development, Community & Culture.
Osmel has worked with 2SLGBTQ+ community-based organizations in Ontario, British Columbia and the Yukon, Osmel focused his work on advancing effective grassroots and province-wide social programming, enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices, pushing for sound public policy, and overseeing effective strategic planning in the non-profit and charitable sectors.
Osmel is tirelessly looking for new ways to engage with his community, and always ensures that he provides a voice to all marginalized people, especially QTBIPOC folks. Osmel strongly believes in the power of inclusion to affect lasting social change.
What led you to your current (career, art, activism)? I would never think that this island boy born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Antigua & Barbuda with a strong religious upbringing would one day be living in Canada and representing the voices of the LGBTQ community…a community that I have in the past neglected, disrespected and was ashamed of for many years due to my own internalized homophobia and insecurities while living in a homophobic nation.
I had the privilege to come out to my family a few years ago. I was scared but with a trembling voice and courageous heart I told the most important people in my life my truth.
It is hard at times for Black people and persons of colour to live our truth. We tend to focus on making our families proud or wonder what folks within our various faith communities would think of us. I wanted to ensure that I was contributing to breaking down those barriers and build a world where folks like me can live in their truth and that is why I advocate for the QTBIPOC community and will continue to till my last breath.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
When I decided to live my truth many years ago and came out as gay to my family and friends which was the best decision of my life. As I stated before many people of colour who identify as LGBTQ are unfortunately not afforded this privilege because they continue to live in fear of living their truth due to violence or family values in which they think they must uphold…. I hope that one day folks who are going through the struggles that I have so many years ago will be able to walk their own truth. Let today be only the first step in ending hate and discrimination to folks who just want to live in their truth, and to love who they want to love.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Switching between the Renaissance album by Beyonce and Sam Smith’s Gloria
Fitsum Areguy (he/him) is a scholar-activist based in Kitchener, Ontario. His work engages racialized communities with an eye to addressing the structural roots of social and health disparities on the Haldimand Tract (Waterloo Region). Fitsum has worked as a youth worker, independent facilitator, recreation therapist, and writer/journalist. He currently volunteers in a leadership role with the ACB Network of WR, ACCKWA, and MT Space.
Fitsum is the co-founder and project director of Textile, a literary publication and mentorship program that showcases emerging marginalized artists and writers in Kitchener-Waterloo. Fitsum currently works as a Senior Knowledge Broker with Greo, a public health research organization focused on problem gambling and addiction. Fitsum holds an Hons. BA in Recreation & Leisure Studies and is an MA Candidate of Community Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University. In his free time, Fitsum enjoys dance music, board games, and potlucks.
What led you to your current (career, art, activism)? Key people and role models taught me at a very early age that engaging and supporting community in various ways – whether it be through my career, writing, activism, or volunteering – is like a circle or spiral movement that brings me back to my “still point” within. It is a social practice that is life-giving because it is political, liberatory, and relational. This is what drew me to youth advocacy, disability justice, and activism/organizing.
Who are some of your influential authors or books to read?
This is not an exhaustive list, but some authors who come to mind are Hanif Abdurraqib, Tiffany Lethabo King, James Baldwin, Fred Moten, Hilton Als, Jamel Brinkley, Octavia E. Butler.
Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Waterloo Region. Picture this: It’s 2024. Our leaders have found the political willpower to defund the Waterloo Regional Police Services. We have non-police, crisis response teams embedded in communities they’re a part of. People are learning to value restorative justice over punitive and carceral responses across sectors. More direct service workers are hired and paid better. Investments have been made in housing, public education, public health, and social employment services. Crime has gone down because people are getting the resources and supports they need. Indigenous peoples are given land back. Finally, we’re building a region together that works better for more of us.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Mustafa, Robert Glasper, Azealia Banks, Blood Orange, and Theo Parrish.
Social media or contact information Connect with me at fitsum-areguy.com or on Twitter @fitsumareguy.
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 2SLGBTQ+ communities and promote equal rights and visibility. Remember, Pride is not just a party, it’s aprotest.
Our second annual fundraising gala will take place on June 29, 2023! Get your tickets here!
If you enjoyed last year’s event, then you’ll love this year! We’ve moved to a larger venue and will be including dinner!
Our headliner is Martha Chaves, a Nicaraguan-Canadian comedian, actress, activist and playwright. She performs standup in English, Spanish, French and Italian. She is a regular in the comedy circuits in Canada, the United States and Latin America, at Just for Laughs and other major festivals, and on CBC Radio.
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 trans comedian Al Val(Just For Laughs, CBC, CTV), and Tamara Shevon(SOS Comedy Show. Beijing Improv Comedy Festival, NXNE, JFL42, and the Irritable & Confused Comedy Tour).
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, Stantec, and Staebler Insurance. Get your tickets here!
June 1, 2023 – 7:30pm – Over the Rainbow: A Judy Garland Tribute with Ori Dagan
Join us for an intimate concert featuring Ori Dagan‘s jazz quartet. Space in this performance is very limited and it will take place in the unique basement space at 165 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1A7 (the former Budd’s department store).
Help us kick-off Pride month and support Spectrum’s programming for local 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This event is sponsored by Lindy & Chris Brown.
Spectrum has been collecting donations of 2SLGBTQIA+ books for a decade and we have some duplicates that we’d like to make available to the community! Visit us on June 3rd between 12-4pm and pay what you can for the books you’d like!
We’re grateful to be working with TWB Brewing again this year on a new beer called EQUAL. Join us for the launch event which will be a PRIDE PATIO PARTY with DJ Jason Spanks! On-site food will also be available for purchase. Everyone and anyone is welcome to join in on the fun!
Saturday June 3, 2023 – 7-8:30pm – Tri-City Improv event
We’re grateful to be the charitable partners for tonight’s Tri-City Improv event. Join us at Country Hills Community Centre (100 Rittenhouse Rd, Kitchener, ON N2E 2M9). Entry is a minimum $7 donation which will support Spectrum!
Friday June 9, 2023 7-9:30pm – Spinning Down the House
Come ride with pride at SPINCO Waterloo! They’ll be spinning to the beat with DJ M’Damn D of FIERCE! and werking it out with some of the tri-city’s best in drag: Kasha Czech, Tammy THE Brown and Baby Butcher. Stick around after the show to cool down with some drinks and to fuel up on snacks and chats with Bliss Counselling + Psychotherapy‘s sex-perts! This event is pay what you can – all proceeds will be donated to support Spectrum’s programs and services.
The tri-Pride Summer Festival will take place on Saturday June 10th in Willow River Park (Victoria Park) and we will have a table there! Stop by to pick up some free swag including pronoun pins and copies of the Rainbow Pages!
Saturday June 10, 2023 9pm-1am – Queer Night Out Pride Dance
We’re looking forward to the Queer Night Out Pride Dance which will take place at THEMUSEUM.
You’ll be able to check out EQUAL, Spectrum’s collab beer with TWB!
Wednesday June 14, 2023 – 7-8:30pm – A Celebration of 20 Years of Marriage Equality
This event will celebrate 20 years of marriage equality in Ontario. We’ll start with a short summary of the work that led to this momentous legal triumph. Most of the event will be devoted to stories from same-sex couples who took advantage of this opportunity.
Doors open at 6:30 and remarks begin at 7pm.
Thursday June 15, 2023 – 7-9pm – Trivia Night with Waterloo Brewing
We’re grateful to be working with Waterloo Brewing again this year on a new beer. Join us tonight to try it out and play some Pride month trivia with Quizmaster Steve.
Friday June 16, 2023 – Together in Pride Ride
Join us 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 17, 2023 1-4pm – Woolwich Pride
Spectrum will have a table at the inaugural Woolwich Pride on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Gibson Park (17 First St. W. in Elmira) from 1-4pm. This free, family-friendly event will include food, music, magic, face painting, bubbles, a bouncy castle, photo booth, braid bar, and fun activities coordinated by local sports/fitness organizations the whole family will enjoy. Local vendors and local organizations will also be participating for community access to useful services and products. You won’t want to miss it!
Sunday June 18, 2023 11am-4pm – Cowboys & Angels Cut-a-thon
Cowboys & Angels is doing a cut-a-thon with proceeds benefitting Spectrum and ACCKWA. If you’d like to book a haircut please call 519.579.9880. Walk-ins may be possible on the day depending upon capacity.
There will be drag performances by Melody Bijou, BOA, Vanity affair, Baby butcher, Miss conduct, Darcy Kace, Elixxer, Sasha Tease, and Miss Drew. There will also be Pit Crew members from Canada’s Drag Race, a BBQ, raffles, and more!
June 20, 2023 – 6:45-9pm – Speed Friending
Want to make some friends in a fun, casual outdoor setting? Come on downtown to our Speed Friending event, located on the glorious patio space of Cafe Pyrus!
Just like in speed dating, Speed Friending participants will rotate through multiple one-on-one conversations with each other throughout the evening, and then choose who they do and don’t want to keep in touch with! After the event, mutual matches will be sent each other’s contact information. Unlike speed dating, Speed Friending is about building platonic connections! It’s a great way to make some new friends and enjoy some #DTK vibes!
Saturday June 24, 2023 1-4pm – Robin’s Nest Revisited
The Robin’s Nest was a lesbian bar in Cambridge for 30+ years. Chris Vautour is making a documentary celebrating its history, focusing on the importance of lesbian spaces at a time when there was little visibility or representation in mainstream culture. Join us for an event at the site of The Robin’s Nest (26 Hobson Street) where we’ll ask those who remember the spot to share their stories with younger folks. At 4pm, those who are interested can head over to the Old Galt Bottle Company for an after party. Find all the details here.
Thursday June 29, 2023 6-9:30pm – Second Annual Fundraising Gala
Our second annual fundraising gala will take place on June 29, 2023! Get your tickets here!
Our headliner is Martha Chaves, our MC is Robert Watson, and the show will also feature trans comedian Al Val, and Tamara Shevon.
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, Stantec, and Staebler Insurance. Get your tickets here!
You can bid in our online silent auction whether you attend the gala or not! Check it out here.
