How Spectrum builds a Rainbow Community Space with support, education… and pickleball
Around the Region shares the work of community partners. This edition, as we begin Pride Month, we hear from Spectrum, a local charity that serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in Waterloo Region and the broader community through peer support, community partnerships, education and training, resources, and events.
By Scott Williams, Executive Director of Spectrum
Since 2012, Spectrum has been Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space – providing a permanent physical space where members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities can gather. The organization was developed after community consultations held by the Rainbow Coalition of Waterloo Region (then called the Waterloo Region Rainbow Coalition) identified the need as a priority. Now, Spectrum provides more than 40 different peer support groups and recreational programs each month.
Some of our most popular programs are our Transgender Peer Support Groups which meet several times per month. These groups provide an essential opportunity for local gender-diverse folks to build community and chosen family and find a sense of belonging. Since there are so few resources for trans folks, especially when it comes to affirming medical providers, these groups are an important connection point where participants can share resources and support one another in the complex legal and medical processes that are part of some folks’ transitions.
Over the past year, our fastest growing program has been the 2SLGBTQIA+ Multi-Sport Drop-In. This happens at two locations each Saturday: the Stanley Park Community Centre and the Downtown Kitchener Community Centre. We refer to this as the gym glass you wish you had in high school. It provides a safe place where 2SLGBTQIA+ participants can be comfortable as their authentic selves without worrying about discrimination or harassment based on their bodies or identities. People are invited to present as they are and the goal is to be active and have fun rather than to be especially competitive. We’ve had great success with pickleball, basketball, volleyball, and other team sports as well as with guest coaches teaching boxing, yoga, and dance.
Spectrum also provides training in 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural competency through our Rainbow Diversity Training program. We have a series of workshops that go from the “101” level, covering key concepts and terminology, through 201 and 301 covering more complex issues, history, systems of oppression, and allyship. We also have specialized workshops for HR professionals and senior-serving organizations. We’re happy to work with you to tailor a workshop to the needs of your organization.
As we head into Pride season it’s important to remember that although Pride is a celebration it is also still a protest. It began as a protest and, unfortunately, there is still a need for protest. As long as elected officials participate in rhetoric and creating legislation that is harmful to 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth, as long as gay couples are fearful to walk down the street hand-in-hand, as long as trans people are terrified to use public washrooms, and as long as symbols like rainbow crosswalks are vandalized, there is a need for protest.
We have always been here and will always be here. The queer liberation movement in this country has won every battle we’ve entered and we will continue to fight until all of us are safe. My message this season to young queer folks is to remember that you are beautiful and you are loved. You are part of a long legacy of lovers and warriors who have brought us to where we are today and we need you to continue fighting the battles our elders began. Pride is the opposite of shame. If it’s safe for you to do so, be Out, be Loud, be Proud.
Learn more about Spectrum’s work in our community.