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Visit the Rainbow Community Calendar to see what's happening this week!
Spectrum provides programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ families and youth.

Programs
Youth Under the Rainbow - Storytime
In partnership with all four local library systems we are pleased to present Family and Youth Under the Rainbow programs at library branches across the region!
Visit each library's calendar for details and to register:

PFLAG
SPECTRUM provides administrative support for the local PFLAG Chapter’s Parents, Family & Friends Support Group, which focuses on topics of interest to parents, family and friends of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. This group generally meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 7-9 PM. (This group is 18+)

Youth Under the Rainbow - Artshine
Express yourself and support your own diversity as we focus on colour! Artshine and Spectrum present a free six-week program for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 8-12!
In this program you will be given the opportunity to try out all different mediums from paint to clay as we explore our colours.
From learning proportional drawing, to adorable pandas and fabulous landscapes, come join us as we learn together from our wonderful instructor Sonia Nadeau (She/Her), illustrator of multiple children's books and animation projects.
Register here. Space is limited!
Rainbow Family Drop-In
How Does Learning Happen? Through Play! Join other 2SLGBTQIA+ children (aged 0-6), caring adults and families in play and exploration together! EarlyON facilitators are available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs and referrals in a play-based environment. This takes place on the last Saturday of each month at EarlyON 161 Roger St, Waterloo, ON N2J 1B1.
This program requires pre-registration. Create your KEyON at https://www.keyon.ca/ and pre-register for each session. (Currently on hold due to low attendance)
Additional Resources and Services
Impacts of Strong Parental Support for Trans Youth
This report was prepared for Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and Delisle Youth Services by TransPULSE and provides helpful information about health impacts of parental support for trans (transgender or transsexual) youth aged 16 to 24 in Ontario.
Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People
An introductory educational resource that covers topics and best practices on how to support transgender and nonbinary young people from the Trevor Project.
How to Respond to Your Child Coming Out
A helpful resource for parents and caregivers about how to respond to a child coming out, from Spectrum.
Gender Independent Youth
This article from OK2BME helps us to understand gender independence and gender non-conformity in youth.
Youth Impact Survey 2021 Gender Snapshot
This snapshot provides findings from the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region's 2021 Youth Impact Survey disaggregated by gender.
Youth Impact Survey 2021 Sexual Orientation Snapshot
This snapshot provides findings from the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region's 2021 Youth Impact Survey disaggregated by sexual orientation.
FamilyCompassWR.ca is your first step to finding community-based services and supports for parents, youth and children in Waterloo Region.
Parenting Now is a website for parents and those who care about kids.
Book Lists
Below are book lists that you can download, print, and share! These books are generally suitable for ages 3-10 (an age is indicated for each one).
- 5 Books Featuring History of the 2SLGBTQ+ Community
- 10 Books Involving Community
- 10 Books Involving Gender Non-Conforming Expression
- 10 Books Involving Expression of 2SLGBTQIA+ Identities
- 8 Books Showing Diverse Families
- 10 Books About Supporting Family
- 8 Books Involving Expression of Identity
- 10 Books Discussing Identities
- 6 Books About 2SLGBTQ+ Relationships
- 6 Books About Familial Love
- 10 Books About Pride in One's Self
- 10 Books Involving Terms and Pronouns
- 8 Books Involving Life Transformations
- 8 Books Involving an Individuals' Transformation
Or contact us for other support
