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Throwback
Learn about what we've been up to!

While the summer brought along a quiet campus, and naturally, a pause to programming and events, the Yellow House went all out for Kingston Pride’s Community Fair! On June 14th, 2025, the Yellow House organized a booth to spread 2SLGBTQ+ resources and contribute to the community-centred celebration of Pride. Various resources were organized and handed out, such as a comprehensive 2SLGBTQ+ handbook containing lists of 2SLGBTQ+ clubs/groups/organizations, resources for health and wellbeing, media resources, helplines, and more. Our booth also housed a face painting station, where individuals could get free facepaint done by our staff. This year, our community mural was done on a large grid where individuals could paint whatever patch design they’d like. Now, these patches will be used in this year’s On the House workshops for anyone to sew on to their clothes, tote bags, or other accessories! 

What's Next?
Scroll down for details on our upcoming events!

Yellow House Welcome! 
September 19 - 11-3 
Rideau

Join us for our Welcome! Get a glimpse at programs you can expect from us this year, grab a delicious culturallly-affirming snack, connect with staff and find your community.




Re-Work Workshop and Agnes Drag Ball September 23^rd from 4-8pm at Rideau Building, third floor. 
Students who are BIPoC and/or 2SLGBTQ+ are invited to an evening of self-guided clothing modification such as hand sewing, using a sewing machine, adding patches, buttons, using fabric markers, and more. Use this to repair, or update your existing clothing find free items in the Community Closet. You can also use this time to prepare a glam outfit for the AGNES Historical Costume Ball Drag Show Fashion Pageant Spectacular with guidance bedazzling from local drag legend Dare de LaFemme from 4-5pm.

The Black Welcome!

September 26 - 6-9 
Wallace Hall in the JDUC

The Black Welcome gathers Black students, staff, faculty and community members to connect over good cultural food and music. Expect delicious food by Jerkebago, Ayiti Bites and Ella's Cuisine. Music by DJ Zari and professional portraits by King-David. Register.


Agnes Historical Costume Ball Drag Show Fashion Pageant Spectacular 
October 3rd, 6:30-9:00pm
AGNES will be hosting a Historical Costume Ball Drag Show Fashion Pageant Spectacular will feature three drag performers, a DJ, and attendees are invited to come costumed and ready to mingle! Expect to see Yellow House student staff showing off some outfits from On The House: Free Community Closet. Learn more and register here.

Photography Workshop with Photographer Janice Reid 
September 28 - 1:30-4:30

Rideau Building

Working with a model and back drop, participants will learn techniques in studio portraiture while reflecting on the layers of identity, memory, and place. Bring your phone or camera - some equipment will be available to borrow. Register.



Halloween Re-Work Workshop
October 31, 4-8pm 
Open to students who are BIPoC and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Are you looking for a space to prepare and get into your costume and make up for your evening festivities? Want to work on a textile craft while watching Rocky Horror Picture Show? Come drop in to Re-Work Workshop Halloween edition happening on October 31st from 4-8pm at Rideau Building third floor! Bring what you're working on, use our tools and materials, or find something in our closet! Face paint and make-up will be available on site. All textile crafting is welcome- bring your own project or use our materials to cross stitch, decorate a tote bag, etc. We will also be screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the nearby screening area and enjoying snacks. This is an alcohol-free space.

Program spotlight

Each summer student shares their insight on the programs

they've built for this academic year.

Maham

Hi my name is Maham Arfan and I’m going into my 4th year in Biochemistry Specialization with a French Minor, and I’ve had the opportunity to work this summer as an EDI Program Developer at the Yellow House Centre for Student Equity & Inclusion. As someone who is passionate about culture, storytelling and creating affirming spaces, it’s been incredibly meaningful to contribute to two of Yellow House’s programs: Roots & Recipes and Culture Connect.  

Roots & Recipes is a culinary initiative that blends food, culture, and community. In collaboration with QUIC, this program offers students free meal kits paired with recipes and cultural stories. What excites me most is how it allows students, especially those living away from home, to reconnect with their heritage in a tangible, nourishing way. Whether you’re making Thai red curry or Bibimbap, you’re not just cooking, you’re celebrating where you come from. 

Culture Connect is a new program that uplifts the cultural identities of BIPoC students through events, art and culture connect markets. From cultural showcases to the upcoming Culture Connect Market that highlights local BIPoC businesses and student creatives, this program helps students show up fully and be celebrated for exactly who they are. 

I’m so excited for incoming students to experience the warmth, connection, and joy these programs offer. I hope they find community, creativity, and a sense of belonging here at Yellow House. 

Sam

Hi! My name is Samantha Papilla, and I’m entering my second year in the Faculty of Arts and Science, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. For the past four months, I’ve worked at the Yellow House as an EDII Programs Developer for Sexual and Gender Diversity. The main program I’ve worked on is “On the House: Free Community Closet”. As a program that connects sustainability, identity exploration, and creative expression, “On the House” is a community closet full of clothes, shoes, and accessories that QTBIPoC students can freely access. “On the House” also houses the Gender Affirming Closet, which supports gender diverse and questioning individuals by providing gender affirming apparel, guides, and more. This summer, I’ve refreshed the “On the House” program by creating new design assets, planning promotional materials, sorting and assessing clothes for relevance among the student demographic, and making any procedural/logistical updates to how the program is run. A task that was especially significant to me was procuring culturally affirming wear for BIPoC students to include in the closet, such as bonnets, silk-lined beanies, hijabs, and durags. The incorporation of these items is a start, and I hope it leads to the continued addition of even more culturally affirming wear that truly help BIPoC students feel more seen, welcome, and valued. What excites me the most about this program is its potential to help so many QTBIPoC students freely access clothing that truly help them feel empowered, celebrated, and at home in their bodies. As someone who has not always had the means to afford or access clothing that truly reflect my style, identity, or needs, I hope that the closet can bridge the gap for QTBIPoC students, and also serve as a safe space for individuals to experiment with their fashion identities!  

Lauren

I graduated in June with my BAH in history and geography through the Concurrent Education program, and will be going on to my BEd at Queen’s in September.


This summer I had the opportunity to support the creation and launch of the Book Nook, a reference library featuring a number of older books and student publications that belonged to previous groups on campus that supported QTBIPOC students, like the Queen’s Homophile Association. Some of the earliest books date back to the 70s, with a few newer options like Redefining Realness (2014) by Janet Mock. There’s an incredible collection that feels like a window into the past when reading. My favorite thing I’ve come across are some of the early editions of OutWrite!: A Queer Review , Culture Shock: A Anti-Racist Review, and the Queen’s Feminist Review, student publications that served as predecessors to Collective Reflections. The first volume of OutWrite! came out the year I was born, and there is a very special magic in how I can see the direct progression from the work those students were doing to the programs and supports we have now. I am excited for students to explore these stories and connect with history, linking from the past into the present.

Oluwamisimi

Hello, I’m Simi a third year nursing student. This summer, I had the opportunity to work on the Black Archival Project, an initiative dedicated to uncovering and preserving the history of Black communities in Kingston and Black student life at Queen’s University. My work involved diving into the Queen’s Archives and other local sources to piece together stories, events, and contributions that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.


What I love most about this project is that it’s uncovering stories that haven’t always been told or shared widely. By making this history more visible, we’re fostering a sense of belonging and representation for Black students on campus, while also educating the broader Queen’s community about the rich legacy of Black excellence here in Kingston. I’m really excited for students to see this history come to life, I see it as a way to celebrate Black excellence on campus and help Black students feel more connected to the community that came before them

Community

Creativity Corner: Yellow House Booklet

From the Designer behind this year's Yellow House Booklet, Kizziera Johnson:

I discovered my passion for art, design, and creativity at a very young age. Since then, I’ve sought out every opportunity to explore my identity through various artistic and creative outlets. Alongside my interests in promoting equity and social justice, and while pursuing degrees in sociology and political science, the Yellow House has been the perfect place to explore these goals.


The front and back cover of this book depict the Yellow House in a vibrant, colorful manner, bursting with adventure and a fantasy-like energy. The path leading up to the house symbolizes the journey to understanding one's identity and finding a safe space. The back cover, showing the rear view of the Yellow House, represents my reflection in my final year, looking back on cherished memories and recognizing the ongoing influence the Yellow House will have on my future endeavors after leaving Queens. 


For me, the Yellow House has been a place where I’ve felt welcome and safe, as well as a vibrant space filled with energy and fun, surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds. 


Kizziera Johnson (she/her)

5th year Political Science & Sociology Double major

Student Spotlight

Rideau Building: 207 Stuart Street, third floor

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.

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Tel: 613-533-6000 x75740