Two-Spirit, Genderqueer, Fabulous Circle

BRIQ House

In partnership with Willow River Centre and SOAHAC, this group takes place at Willow River Centre on the last Wednesday of the month. Visit the calendar for details.

Are you Indigenous? Do you identify as Two-Spirit, IndigiQueer, Trans or Non-binary? Join us in an all ages brave community space to make connections, talk and grow. Medicines and refreshments provided.

No racism, homophobia, transphobia or garment discrimination will be tolerated.

QRIB Community Hangouts

Come join the QRIB community hangouts, where Queer, Racialized, Indigenous, and Black individuals foster a home away from home! In collaboration with the Willow River Centre, Spectrum's BRIQ House hosts get togethers with refreshments (ex. Karaoke, bon fires, etc). The events are free though capped at 30 people, so we recommend RSVPing! All allies are welcome and encouraged to donate (ex. $5) to the Willow River Centre to support safer queer racialized spaces locally. These take place on the second Friday of the month. Visit the calendar for details. See you there! 

BRIQ House is Spectrum's monthly group for Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized Queer folks in Waterloo Region! Come meet for for discussions and community building. We connect both in-person at Spectrum and virtually on Zoom on the fourth Saturday of the month. Plus, we'll have food! No registration needed, just drop-in. Visit the calendar for details.

Roni (she/they) is a descendant of the Ogoni Tribe and a second-generation settler on the Haldimand Tract. They hold 5+ years of experience working in social disparity advocacy. Notably, they advised 650+ elected leaders on equitable engagement as a consultant for the Canadian Climate Caucus. As the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association Associate Vice-President of Equity, Roni also shaped health recommendations for the University of Waterloo President's Anti-racism Taskforce. Roni is keen on fostering decolonized and intersectional community spaces that honor diverse ancestral perspectives.

Karla (they/them), an Afro-Indigenous, Queer, Non-Binary neurodivergent individual, draws from their lived experiences to inform community and advocacy work. With extensive experience in community development, queer activism, and climate advocacy, they actively engage with diverse communities. Karla actively contributed insights and policy recommendations to Wilfrid Laurier’s Gendered and Sexual Violence Student Advisory Committee, advocating for survivor support and safer university spaces. They were a member of Laurier’s Association for Black Students. In 2021, as Waterloo’s Green Party federal candidate, they highlighted climate justice and environmental racism. Karla lives by the values of justice, decolonization, anti-oppression, and liberation.

Local Organizations

Crisis Resources

Educational Resources

Here are some helpful resources for understanding Indigenous, and especially Two-Spirit context in our community and beyond.

CBRC Two-Spirit Terminology Guide

The goal of this terminology guide is to increase awareness of the Two-Spirit Peoples and communities, and to provide safer language for researchers to use.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), charged with listening to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educating Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Reclaiming Power and Place is the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

SPECTRUM News

Or contact us for other support

If you have questions about SPECTRUM's programs and services please feel free to reach out.