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Lace Up and Unite: A Successful 2SLGBTQ+ Community Skate

“It felt so natural, like how a family skate should feel.” -Volunteer

To close out 2024 – 49 community members wobbled, glided, twirled, and built community during the first ever Spectrum 2SLGBTQ+ Free Skate at Don McLaren Arena in Kitchener.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of skating.

This event wasn’t just about skating; it was about bringing our vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ community together and celebrating the importance of queer and trans representation in the Waterloo Region.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this event possible, from our generous sponsors to the enthusiastic participation of our community members.

An attendee outside the Don McLaren Arena

A heartfelt thank you to the City of Kitchener for their invaluable support in renting the entire Don McLaren Arena for our exclusive use. Your generosity ensured a safe and inclusive space for all attendees. The City of Kitchener continues to go above and beyond supporting members of our community.

Hot Chocolate, Tea, and TimBits offered at the event

We also extend our deepest gratitude to Clean & Tidy for their kind and generous donation of delicious hot chocolate, tea, and snacks to keep our skaters warm and cozy.

Thanks to our volunteers Maya, Ang, and JP for leading a Learn to Skate workshop. At the very basis of our Sports program is giving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community an opportunity to try things they may not have been able to at a different times in their lives – these volunteers helped improve skills and build confidence for the 17 participants who joined them.

“It was so helpful to know I was getting on the rink with others that were also learning to skate” -Learn to Skate Participant

Thanks to our staff, Troy, Baz, Dakota, Jesse, Rye, and Suzie, for their work organizing, facilitating, and doing all the important things behind the scenes at Spectrum.

A special thanks to DJ DIVAA from One Big Gay Disco, who kept the energy high with fantastic music all evening.

Events like these are incredibly important for fostering a strong and supportive 2SLGBTQ+ community. They provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals to connect, build friendships, and celebrate their identities.

“I made two new friends at this event. I’ve met others like me. I am so happy!” -Participant

Thank you again to everyone who made this event a memorable one. We look forward to many more community events in the future where we can continue to lace up and unite as a vibrant and inclusive community.If you would like to help make more events like this possible, consider becoming a volunteer or donating to Spectrum.

Events

Updating the Spectrum Calendar

We have heard the community discussing how the Spectrum Events Calendar can be difficult to navigate. We’ve implemented some updates to help make identifying events easier! Now, you can filter between Spectrum and Community events, so that it is clearer which events Spectrum is actively running. You can also identify where Spectrum is hosting the event – at our location, at another location, part of our Youth Under the Rainbow programming, or as part of our Multi-Sport program.

We hope these changes help make seeing what events interest you most easier to discover!

Check out the new calendar here: https://ourspectrum.com/events/

Events

Celebration of Chosen Family

Join us on December 25 for a celebration of chosen family, featuring food, games, and meaningful connections. Whether you come on your own or bring a friend, our doors will be open from 12 PM to 3 PM, offering warm food and even warmer company. We recognize that the holidays can be a challenging time for many in the 2SLGBTQ+ community who may not be able to spend this season with their families. Let’s come together to create a space of support, and belonging.

If you haven’t been to Spectrum before, this video will help you find us.

Events

Trans Day of Remembrance 2024

On November 20th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Spectrum will be hosting a candlelight vigil at Waterloo Town Square (75 King St. S.), to honor transgender lives lost. This event is open to the public. Please read more about the event below.

Agenda

6:30: Candle lighting / settling in the space

6:40: Welcoming drum song / thanksgiving address from Willow River Centre

6:50: Land Acknowledgement

6:55: Introduction / moment of silence

7:00 – 8:00: Main Speakers

8:00 – 8:25: Open microphone for the public to honor their loved ones

8:25 – 8:30: Closing / second moment of silence

Keep in mind this agenda is fluid, and depending on the length of speakers the evening may end earlier than 8:30 PM.

Location

Parking: There is a lot of parking options around Waterloo Public Square. The closest parking lots are on Caroline St., behind the LCBO. There is also a parking lot on the corner of Caroline St. and Erb St.

Public Transit: If you’re taking the bus, the #5 bus will take you directly to King / Waterloo Public Square. If you’re taking the light rail, there is a stop called Waterloo Public Square Station.

Accessibility: Public square is a wheelchair accessible spot. It also offers stone steps that will allow people to sit if needed. However, we do suggest bringing a towel, blanket, or pillow, as the stone can sometimes be cold or uncomfortable for long periods.

Bathrooms: There are gendered bathrooms inside of the Shops behind the Public Square. The Starbucks down King St. has a gender neutral bathroom, and there is the public outdoor bathroom which is fully accessible and gender neutral on King St./William St.

Outdoor Location: This event will only be called off if there is a severe weather advisory. While there will be tents for the resource tables and speakers, we suggest to come dressed for the weather. Be sure to dress warmly, as the nights are getting colder. The mall should be open, so you can step inside to warm up should you need to!

Resources: Candles will be provided all evening for this event. If you have a lighter, bring it along to speed up the process, but lighters will also be provided. We will also be serving warm drinks and baked goods, but you’re welcome to bring more, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Both OK2BME, ACCKWA, Spectrum, and SHORE Centre will have resource tables for you to learn more about mental health and peer support resources.

Things to Consider

Trigger Warning: Remembrance often goes hand-in-hand with current and real struggles we face. Please be aware that we may engage in topics that may be upsetting for some attendees, including discussions of violence and suicide. While we will have some peer support and mental health resources available, these can only provide a certain level of care. We suggest bringing a support person(s) or not attending if you think it would be too difficult to partake in the evening.

Fire Safety: This ceremony will have real candles and fire involved, so please be cautious with how you’re using your candle. Make sure to leave a lot of space with the people around you, and fully blow out your candle before disposing of it or taking it home with you. We will have a fire extinguisher on-site, but we hope not to have to use it if we’re all cautious of how we’re using our space. If you’re particularly adverse to fire, we will try to have a section for people with electric and other light sources to keep things relatively separate.

For any questions about the event, reach out at: info@ourspectrum.com

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

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

Time	Event
8:30 AM	Player Clinic Registration Opens
9 AM – 11 AM	Player Clinic
11:30 AM	Tournament Registration Opens
12 – 4:30	Tournament

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:

Dr. Kyle Simpson, BSc, DC (Pickleball Gear)
Marlowe Grooming & General (Gift Card)
The Underdog Dance Corp. (Gift Card)
Kazoku Martial Arts Centre (Pickleball Gear)
Carly Pettinger & Kara McLean (Pickleball Gear)
HomeFit Exercise Equipment (Pickleball Gear)
CrossFit 1827 (Pickleball Gear)
AOK Craft Beer + Arcade (Pickleball Gear)
Together We’re Bitter Co-operative Brewing (Pickleball Gear)
Wages Corp (Pickleball Gear)

Events, SPECTRUM News

Notice: Annual and Special General Meeting 2023

TAKE NOTICE that the Annual and a Special General Meeting of the Members of SPECTRUM Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space (“SPECTRUM”) will be held on October 10, 2023 at 7pm virtually on Zoom for the following purposes:

1. Receiving and approving the Minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting

2. Receiving the 2022 Annual Statement and Auditors Report

3. Considering and if thought fit, confirming By-law 1 – 2023 passed by the Board of Directors on March 19, 2023 which By-law replaces By-law 2021 as the general by-law relating to the business and affairs of the Corporation.

A complete copy of By-law 1 – 2023 is appended to this Notice.

4. To authorize the Board to file Articles of Amendment to provide that the Corporation may have a minimum and maximum number of directors and to authorize the President to sign the Articles of Amendment.

5. To pass a special resolution of the members to set the number of directors at 10 until otherwise changed.

6. Electing Directors

7. To approve the waiving of the appointment of an auditor by way of extraordinary resolution in accordance with the Act.

Events, Fundraising

Kidunified Puzzle Fundraiser

Spectrum is grateful to be receiving the proceeds of sales of Kidunified’s Children’s Makers Market Puzzle from May 17, 2023-June 19, 2023!

Kidunified is a local woman-led social enterprise. Their debut puzzle is called Children’s Makers Market and it was created with big hearts, and mindfully for kids — it is diverse, sustainable, bilingual and fun! The goal is for more children to see pieces of themselves and their community while they play.

Ashley Kizis shares, “Kidunified is for every child, including my own. I want my child to continue to learn how good it feels when we include, and treat each other equally. It is important to me that he sees me learning to become a better ally also — to grow myself, alongside him. So much love, research and community input went into the creation of this puzzle, so that more children would hopefully feel represented in the toys they play with.”

This fundraiser is beginning on May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, a day that draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ people in more than 130 countries around the world.

As Spectrum works towards its vision of an inclusive community where all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are welcomed, celebrated, and supported as their authentic selves we love discovering other organizations that share our values. We’re excited to bring awareness of this wonderful puzzle to the community and grateful to our friends at Kidunified for generously donating the proceeds from the next month’s sales to us.

The Children’s Makers Market Puzzle is available for purchase here for $34.99 +HST. Puzzles can be picked up at Spectrum on June 19^th between 12pm-7pm or, select “delivery” and a volunteer will drop-off your puzzle between the purchase date and June 19^th.

Events

Multi-Sport Drop-In Expansion

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.

Events

Pride 2023

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 a protest.

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.

Get your tickets here!

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.

Get your tickets here

Saturday June 3, 2023 – Book Sale – 12-4pm

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!

Saturday June 3, 2023 – 6-10pm – TWB Brewing Beer Launch

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.

This event is sponsored by Bliss Counselling + Psychotherapy and SPINCO Waterloo

Booking goes Live for this event on Monday, May 29 @1PM

Saturday June 10, 2023 – tri-Pride Festival

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!

Get your tickets here

Sunday June 11, 2023 – 10am-3pm – Family Pride at THEMUSEUM

Our Youth Under the Rainbow Program Coordinator will have a table at the Family Pride at THEMUSEUM. Come visit us to make some Pride suncatchers!

Find details here

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!

Register here

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.

Thank You to our Silent Auction Item Donors!

All Things Tea

AOK Craft Beer + Arcade

Art Gallery of Ontario

Canadian Museum of History

Catherine Harrington