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We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
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.
Spectrum's next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place virtually on Tuesday October 10, 2023 at 7pm.
Anyone is welcome to attend the AGM.
If you have made a financial donation to Spectrum in the past 12 months, or have volunteered at least 30 hours in the past 12 months, then you are a voting member of the organization.
Please click here to register to attend
This year's agenda, audited financial statements, and annual report will be available soon.
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We have about one third of the responses we need for our needs assessment!
This is a collaboration with Wilfrid Laurier University and ACCKWA to learn more about the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Waterloo Region!
We are hoping for 1000 responses. Please take the survey and help spread the word!
The data we gather will help Spectrum and other organizations better understand the needs in our community and then advocate for funding to work to meet them!
Click here to take the survey (note the password is welcome2023)
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Click here to 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.
October is LGBT History Month and we are observing it with small displays of materials from the Grand River Rainbow Historical Project at THEMUSEUM and Waterloo Public Library's East Side Branch.
October 8 - International Lesbian Day
October 11 - National Coming Out Day
October 26 - Intersex Awareness Day
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This month's Rainbow Film Club is "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge".
Join us with Queer Night Out at Apollo Cinema on October 17th at 7pm. Click here to get your tickets.
“… the second Nightmare on Elm Street is obviously intended as a bisexual themed film. […]. Jesse’s wrestling with whether to come out or not and his own sexual desires was manifested by Freddy. His friend is the object of his affection. That’s all there in that film.” – Robert Englund
We encourage those considering attending the screening to conduct their own independent research into the film to inform their decision whether to attend.
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Join Spectrum Rad Riot Books for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Book Club on October 30th at 7pm at Spectrum!
This month, we're discussing Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta.
Inspired by Nigeria's folktales and its war, Under the Udala Trees is a deeply searching, powerful debut about the dangers of living and loving openly.
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Librarian's Corner
Hello! Welcome to the librarian’s corner where we highlight new books generously donated and featured books in our collection.
A guiding principle of the library is to represent all aspects of the queer community in our collection. Until recently books on and by the Ace/Aro community were sorely lacking. Thanks to a recent generous donation and guidance from our Ace & Aro Space group, we have included the following books in the library:
· Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on our Sex-Obsessed Culture by Sherronda J. Brown
· I am ACE by Cody Daigle-Orians
· How to be ACE: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual by Rebecca Burgess
· Ace Voices by Eris Young
· and for fiction-lovers, the novel Loveless by Alice Oseman
October 8th is International Lesbian day! Come check out the great series we have by lesbian authors. They’re sure to delight. Some suggestions on where to start would be great romance novels by Radclyffe, mystery novels by Ellen Hart or Katherine Forrest, or even a sci-fi story by Melissa Scott!
Thank you again to all the generous donors to the Lending Library! Our collection is only as amazing as it is because of you!
Philip Charbonneau
Spectrum Volunteer Librarian
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On October 24th at 7pm we're offering a virtual Rainbow Diversity Training 101 workshop. This is a great opportunity for individuals to receive this training and there are a limited number of free spots available!
In 101, we discuss all the basics, including the difference between gender and sex, 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology, privilege, intersectionality, and allyship.
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Did you know that Spectrum has 51 active volunteers?!
We're looking for folks to join the team as co-facilitators of our Transmasc and Beyond the Binary peer support groups, as well as Spectrum Prime (50+), and Ace and Aro Space!
Take a look at the postings here and connect with us today! These are great opportunities to be meet other folks and support your community.
A special thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who make our programs possible!
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The fall schedule for Families & Youth Under the Rainbow Programming in partnership with Kitchener Public Library, Waterloo Public Library, Idea Exchange, and the Region of Waterloo Library is now available! Visit our calendar or the individual library sites for details.
