The Queer Side of Things

Welcome to the October edition of the TEN Newsletter! As we transition into a new season, we’re reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved together, and the exciting new chapters unfolding. From the powerful launch of the Back to Our Roots Report to the inspiring Together for Change Conference, and a sneak peek into our upcoming Network Call Program, we’ve got so much to celebrate.

In this issue, we’ll also shine a spotlight on two new Rainbow Resilience Fund recipients and equip you with essential coalition-building tools to amplify your advocacy efforts. 

Let’s dive in and continue igniting change together!

What We’ve Been Working On 

Back to Our Roots 

On September 11th, we proudly launched the Back to Our Roots Report—a groundbreaking moment for Black 2SLGBTQI+ communities across Canada. This report is more than just a document; it’s a call to action. It amplifies Black 2SLGBTQI+ voices and provides strategic insights to create a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether you’re a community leader, advocate, or ally, this report is a must-read for driving impactful change in our movement.

Visit our website to read the full report!

Together For Change Conference 

The Together for Change Conference in Calgary was nothing short of transformational! Over 150 of Canada’s most passionate 2SLGBTQI+ leaders came together for a weekend of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. From dismantling hate to advocating for systemic reforms, the energy was electric. This gathering sparked new ideas and partnerships, and we can’t wait to continue those conversations in the coming months. 

Network Calls

We’re thrilled to give you an exclusive sneak peek into our Network Call Program! Kicking off in October, the theme for the next quarter will focus on Health and Safety. This program is your opportunity to shape the future of 2SLGBTQI+ advocacy by influencing policies at every level—regional, provincial, and federal. These calls are a dynamic space for sharing ideas, getting advice, and supporting one another as we push for progress. While we can’t give away too much just yet, rest assured this is only the beginning of what promises to be a powerful advocacy tool.

The Rainbow Resilience Fund - Supporting frontline 2SLGBTQI+ organizations

Through the Rainbow Resilience Fund project, we are aiming to increase awareness amongst our broader Canadian public by fostering understanding, empathy, and support for the rights and well-being of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.  Statistics Canada revealed a shocking 64% surge in police-reported hate crimes against Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community. With this fund, we hope to empower Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to effectively prevent and respond to hate crimes, positioning our funders to have the necessary resources and support to better protect and serve their communities. 

Get Involved: We invite all of our members and allies to contribute to the Rainbow Resilience Fund, whether through volunteering, or spreading the word. It is only together, where we can ensure that every member of our community has the support they need to live safely and proudly.

For more information on how you can help, please visit the Rainbow Resilience Fund page on our website.

Spotlighting our Recipients: 

We’re beyond excited to introduce two inspiring organizations who are the latest recipients of the Rainbow Resilience Fund. These trailblazers are tackling anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate head-on and making real change in their communities. Let’s meet them:

Northern Mosaic Network & Qmunity Camp NWT received $25,000

Led and governed by 2SLGBTQIPA+ community members of the North, the Northern Mosiac Network and their partner Qmunity Camp NWT are dedicated to creating safer spaces for their 2SLGBTQIPA+ community. 

Project Proposal: The Northern 2SIQTIP Gathering project aims to uplift Northern 2SIQTIP community members and increase advocacy throughout the North. This project in itself is addressing and eliminating systemic barriers in access to culture, resources, and on the land spaces as too often 2SIQTIP community members leave their home community and territory due to the gender-based violence they experience as they are unable to celebrate their 2SLGBTQIPA+ identity and their Indigenous identity, understanding that their identities are traditional and sacred.

Gender Affirming Care Prince Edward Island Inc. (GACPEI) received $24,750

An organization that serves Prince Edward Island, the Gender Affirming Care PEI Inc. is dedicated to improving health outcomes for their transgender, transexual, and intersex communities by working with private healthcare practitioners and government health services to help deliver to best possible outcomes for accessing trans health—both gender-affirming health services and other physical or mental health services.

Project Proposal: GACPEI aims to launch a community-based participatory research and outreach program for rural trans Islanders to fill the urgent need of connecting rural trans islanders to healthcare. Accessing health services can be intimidating and inaccessible due to rural barriers and the implications of living in a rural setting. The research and outreach project will allow a better understanding of these barriers in accessing care and therefore be able to provide pathways to educate, inform and empower rural trans people allies, caring professionals, and community members to create safer rural spaces.

Empowering our Community Through Knowledge and Tools 

This month, we’re equipping you with not one, but two essential guides to help you build stronger, more effective coalitions:

A Progressive Organization’s Guide to Coalition-Building with Queer Groups and Organizations (download here)

A Queer Organization’s Guide to Coalition-Building with Other Equity-Seeking Organizations  (download here)

Whether you’re forming partnerships within the 2SLGBTQI+ community or reaching across movements, these toolkits are packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the complexities of coalition-building. Together, we’re stronger, and these tools will help you forge meaningful alliances that lead to lasting change. 

Thank you for being part of this vibrant community! Let’s keep pushing boundaries, building coalitions, and sparking the change we want to see in the world. Stay connected, stay inspired, and keep making your voice heard!

In solidarity, The Enchanté Network

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