From time to time, the Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) is asked to distribute information on behalf of third parties. WRFN provides general information to self-advocates and families of children with special needs. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider. WRFN is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment when considering any resource.
Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Suzie Taka!
Suzie is a former Spectrum Board member who 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.
Keep reading.
A Message from Scott Williams
My Spectrum journey began in 2013 when Jim Parrott reached out to me to ask if I would be interested in volunteering with Waterloo Region’s new Rainbow Community Space. I said “yes” and I became Spectrum’s volunteer librarian before joining the Board of Directors in 2014-2015.
Keep reading
Check out the Rainbow Community Calendar where you'll find details on SPECTRUM’s groups and events. This is also your clearinghouse of 2SLGBTQIA+ events in Waterloo Region.
November 3 - Trans Parenting Day
November 8 - Intersex Day of Remembrance
November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
Stay tuned for details about an event for TDOR!
Annual Report
Our 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available!
Here you can read all about Spectrum's impact over the past year.
We'd like to thank Celestine Unugboji for his contributions to both the design and content of this annual report. We'd also like to thank Andy Wright whose wonderful photographs do a great job of helping us tell the story of our year.
Friendly Visiting
Our new Friendly Visiting program is designed to help decrease social isolation for local 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults and seniors. If you are an older adult who would be interested in receiving visits from younger 2SLGBTQIA+ folks please connect with Kita at kita@ourspectrum.com
If you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ adult who would be interested in visiting older adults in our community please connect with Kita at kita@ourspectrum.com
OUTreach: Cultivating Support Networks in Your Career Journey
The Business & Education Partnership - Waterloo Region presents OUTreach: Cultivating Support Networks in Your Career Journey on November 5th! Meet and learn from local professionals who celebrate and support diversity in the workplace. The speakers will walk us through their career journeys, sharing how they found their path, built their network of support, and how that network has supported them along the way. Panelists include Mattie James, Jessica Toomer, Stefanie Bruinsma, and Cindy Calhoun.
Register here
Rainbow Film Club
Spectrum partners with the Rainbow Coalition of Waterloo Region and the Apollo Cinema to bring you monthly Rainbow Film Club screenings!
Join us on November 19th for Valley of the Dolls (1967). Directed by Mark Robson, blending old-fashioned glamour with the vibrant energy of Madison Avenue, offering a sharp look at the early days of sexual liberation alongside an entertainment industry in turmoil, later becoming a camp masterpiece.
Get your tickets here
Families and Youth Under the Rainbow
Please join us in welcoming our new Executive Director, Suzie Taka!
Suzie is a former Spectrum Board member who 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.
A Message from Scott Williams
My Spectrum journey began in 2013 when Jim Parrott reached out to me to ask if I would be interested in volunteering with Waterloo Region’s new Rainbow Community Space. I said “yes” and I became Spectrum’s volunteer librarian before joining the Board of Directors in 2014-2015. Click here to keep reading.
It's back to school season, and our Youth programming is starting again this month. There are offerings happening all over the region!
November 3 - Trans Parenting Day
November 8 - Intersex Day of Remembrance
November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance (Stay tuned for details about an event for TDOR!)
Click here to check our calendar for events.
Families and Youth Under the Rainbow
It's back to school season, and our Youth programming is starting again this month, too! There are offerings happening all over the region! Click here to find all the details..
Some of these sessions require registration in advance. Click here to register for the Art Shine sessions.
And stay tuned for news about winter programs soon!
Friendly Visiting
Our new Friendly Visiting program is designed to help decrease social isolation for local 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults and seniors. If you are an older adult who would be interested in receiving visits from younger 2SLGBTQIA+ folks please connect with Kita at kita@ourspectrum.com
If you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ adult who would be interested in visiting older adults in our community please connect with Kita at kita@ourspectrum.com
Are you considering getting top surgery?
Our new top surgery guides are a wonderful walkthrough for anyone who is thinking about getting surgery in the future!
These guides are an in-depth walkthrough of everything from how to receive funding and surgical consultations, all the way through to preparing to your surgery and 6 weeks into the healing process.
There are two guides available, one for masculinization / mastectomy and one for feminization / augmentation.