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:

• Waterloo Public Library
• Kitchener Public Library
• Idea Exchange
• Region of Waterloo Library

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.

SPECTRUM News

Or contact us for other support