October Newsletter 2026
Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario
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Board Update
After taking a couple of months over the summer to reflect and recharge, the GECO Board returned in September feeling reenergized and excited for the year ahead.
For many nonprofit organizations, September feels like the start of a new year: a chance to reconnect, set priorities, and begin a new cycle of work. The summer pause gave us space to consider what we have learned and where we want to focus our efforts next.
This year, our focus is antisexism. It is at the root of everything we do at GECO, from supporting queer youth and advancing equity in skilled trades to helping organizations recognize and change sexist practices. Across these areas, our goal is to turn learning into action and work alongside our communities to create lasting change.
We are grateful to everyone who continues to be part of this work. The Board looks forward to reconnecting with you and sharing what comes next at our AGM and Community Meet and Greet on October 19, 2026.
Join us for a night to connect, celebrate, and grow a more equal and inclusive Ontario!
- Keynote speaker Selam Debs
- Meet & share with other organizations
- Light refreshments
We believe meaningful change begins with a willingness to listen, learn, challenge ourselves, and grow. That is exactly what Plant the Tree is about: bringing people together, strengthening relationships, and planting the seeds for a more equitable and inclusive community.
Interested in joining us for this event? Register for free on Eventbrite.
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Organizational Learning
Upcoming Speaker's Series: Gender, Labour and the Municipal Election
Join GECO on October 15, 2026, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. for a panel conversation with local labour leaders. We will hear their perspectives on the municipal election and explore the questions we should be asking local candidates about gender and labour in our communities.
Speaker Line-Up:
- Darryl Bedford
- Patti Dalton
- Shinade Allder
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What if everyone had the tools to challenge sexism when they see it?
Many women face an ongoing battle with workplace harassment, which may include sexist comments, unwanted physical contact, and a general lack of respect. This not only affects their mental health, but also leads to high turnover rates.
Sexism still shapes workplaces, schools, and communities.
Our new Anti-Sexism Toolkit provides practical tools to recognize sexism, challenge it, and build more equitable environments. GECO can work with you to set up a consultation to assess your work environment or address any questions you have about implementing the anti-sexist toolkit in your workplace. We can also implement training for your organization or help train your workplace trainer.
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We're Working With...
GECO is excited to work with YWCA St Thomas - Elgin!
The YWCA St Thomas - Elgin and GECO have been working together for a while. It is a partnership focused on creating opportunities for community members, advancing gender justice, and creating lasting, impactful change.
We're looking forward to partnering with the YWCA by implementing our Anti-sexist Toolkit in their workplace. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard.
Are you interested in implementing anti-sexist changes in your workplace or organization? Email GECO at genderequalitycoalition@gmail.com for further information.
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Gender Equality Week 2026 | September 20–26
Gender Equality Week s a time to recognize the progress made toward gender equality and the work still ahead. At GECO, it is also a chance to reaffirm why antisexism is at the root of everything we do.
Sexism shapes experiences in workplaces, schools, leadership, and community life. It also intersects with racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other forms of inequality. Through our programs, partnerships, and Anti-Sexist Toolkit, we are working with our communities to recognize these barriers and make meaningful change.
We invite you to reflect on one question this week: What could you change in your workplace or community to make gender equality more than a goal?
What did you do to support gender equality week?
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Interested in the Anti-Sexist Toolkit?
If you're interested in GECO's Anti-Sexist Toolkit, need more information, or want to implement it within your organization, please email GECO at genderequalitycoalition@gmail.com.
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Rainbow Connections is a GECO program in partnership with Rainbow Optimists and Elgin County Pride. This program creates events and three safe community spaces for Trans and Queer youth, young adults, and adults in St Thomas:
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Queer Qlub for those ages 12-18
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Queer Adult Social for those 18+
Are you a Queer or Trans youth living in rural Southwestern Ontario? Do you know someone who is? Connect with Rainbow Connections! We'll tell you about upcoming social events and their locations appropriate for your age.
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2SLGBTQIA+ Social Groups
Queer Qlub (QQ):
Queer Qlub is for youth aged 12-18 years. It takes place on the first three Tuesdays of the month from 6-8 PM. Youth are provided with snacks, drinks, and any materials required for the week's activity. Spend time with your friends or make some new ones - either way, youth have access to a safe, accepting, and affirming space.
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October's Activities:
Oct 6 - Arts & Crafts
Oct 13 - Game Night
Oct 21 - Costume Karaoke
Queer Adult Social (QAS):
In partnership with Elgin County Pride, queer adults aged 18+ are welcome to join us at the YWCA St Thomas-Elgin, 16 Mary Street West, St Thomas on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6-8 PM for Queer Adult Social. Hang out, play some games, and make some friends!
Next Meeting Dates: Thursday, October 8th and 22nd
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Drop-in Hub
Location: 15 St Catharine Street, Unit 305, St Thomas, ON
Hours: Mon - Wed, 2-5 PM
Rainbow Connections has officially opened a brand-new physical community hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. Visitors are welcome to stop by, hang out, grab a snack from our Community Cupboard, collect some resources, borrow a library book, and just be themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.
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Help Us Keep The Lights On!
Rainbow Connections is facing a funding crisis. We need your help to keep the lights on at The Hub and our programs running!
Our core funding unexpectedly ended March 31, 2026. Rainbow Connections has built a fully operational HUB serving 2SLGBTQIA+ youth across Elgin and Middlesex. Programs are at capacity. We are raising $120,000 to secure one year of stability. This covers rent, staffing, and essential supports. We are inviting businesses and community members to invest between $100 and $25,000 to keep this space open. This is stabilization funding. We are not expanding — we are protecting what exists.
Preventative community infrastructure is always less costly than crisis response. Rainbow Connections is preventative infrastructure. 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults need our support. Can you help by donating today?
PLEASE NOTE: If you require a tax receipt, please email genderequalitycoalition@gmail.com BEFORE you donate for instructions. Tax receipts will be issued to those who donate by cheque only.
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Rainbow Connections thanks the following people for their support:
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Women in Trades: Looking Ahead
This October, GECO’s Co-Executive Director Dani Bartlett will travel to Houston, Texas, for the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference, the world’s annual gathering for tradeswomen. Taking place October 9–11, 2026, the conference brings together tradeswomen from across the continent for professional panels, workshops, networking, and collective learning.
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For years, GECO has worked alongside women in trades through ConnectHER, Cheers for Change, our workplace equity resources, advocacy, and bargaining language that supports safety, dignity, and opportunity. Those conversations have made one thing clear: women do not need to be changed to fit the trades. The trades need to change to support women.
We are excited to offer a sneak peek at the next direction of this work: Changing Worksites. Not Women.
This initiative will put women’s lived experience at the centre. We will listen to women across the skilled-trades journey—from students and apprentices to experienced tradespeople and leaders—and work with partners to make practical changes to the cultures, policies, facilities, PPE, pathways, and workplace practices that continue to hold women back.
Because skill—not gender—should define success.
This is about safer worksites, fair access, strong voices, real belonging, and opportunities for women to enter, stay, advance, and lead. Nothing about women in trades without women in trades.
Stay tuned as we prepare to share this next chapter of GECO’s Women in Trades work.
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Women in Trades Initiatives
If you don’t know Anna Lary, you should.
Anna is a Master Electrician, educator, advocate, and the Founder and Project Lead of the BCIT ConnectHER Hub — but even that list doesn’t quite capture her.
She spent 15 years on the tools and 12 years teaching electrical apprentices at BCIT. She knows what it means to build a career in spaces that weren’t necessarily built with women in mind — and instead of simply learning how to survive those spaces, she decided to help change them.
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Through ConnectHER, Anna has created something bigger than a program. It is a place for women and gender-diverse people in the skilled trades to connect, find mentorship, build leadership skills, access resources, and — maybe most importantly — know they belong.
And people are noticing.
Anna received the VRCA Outstanding Achievement Award for Inclusive Leadership in Construction, recognizing leadership that is helping reshape the construction industry. She was also the recipient of BCIT's 2024 Employee Excellence Award for Inclusivity.
What I love about Anna's work is that it isn't about teaching women how to better fit into the trades.
It's about changing the trades so women don't have to change themselves to belong.
That is exactly the kind of leadership our industry needs.
So, if you don't know Anna Lary yet — you should.
And if you care about the future of women in skilled trades, you should absolutely be watching what she and the BCIT ConnectHER Hub are building.
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Are you passionate about skilled trades and eager to be a part of a supportive community that helps you thrive? Whether you're just starting out or an experienced tradesperson, our ConnectHER trades community is the perfect fit for you!
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Take the Survey!
The Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario survey is gathering insights to better understand and support women in non-traditional industries.
Your input will help inform the development of tools and strategies aimed at improving working conditions, increasing access, and strengthening retention and advancement.
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Speaker's Series: Gender, Labour & Municipal Politics
Thurs, October 15 | 6:30-8 PM
Virtual via Zoom
FREE Registration Required
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Join GECO on October 15, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for a panel conversation with local labour leaders.
We will hear their perspectives on the municipal election and explore the questions we should be asking local candidates about gender and labour in our communities.
Speakers include:
- Darryl Bedford
- Patti Dalton
- Shinade Allder
Registration is required for this event through Eventbrite.
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An Evening with Selam Debs
Monday, October 19 | 6-8 PM
CASO Station | 750 Talbot St, St Thomas
FREE Registration Required
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We are delighted to feature award-winning anti-racist advocate Selam Debs as the keynote speaker at GECO’s Plant the Tree Community Meet & Greet and AGM on October 19.
GECO had the privilege of working with Selam throughout the spring and summer of 2026. That experience was transformative for our organization. Selam challenged us to think more deeply about anti-racism, equity, accountability, and what it truly means to build inclusive organizations and communities.
Registration is required for this event through Eventbrite.
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Plant the Tree! Community Meet & Greet and AGM
Monday, October 19 | 6-8 PM
CASO Station | 750 Talbot St, St Thomas
FREE Registration Required
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Join us for a night to connect, celebrate, and grow a more equal and inclusive Ontario!
- Keynote speaker Selam Debs
- Meet & share with other organizations
- Light refreshments
We believe meaningful change begins with a willingness to listen, learn, challenge ourselves, and grow. That is exactly what Plant the Tree is about: bringing people together, strengthening relationships, and planting the seeds for a more equitable and inclusive community.
Registration is required for this event through Eventbrite.
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Rainbow Connections - Halloween Movie Night
Sat, October 31, 7 PM
2SLGBTQIA+ Elgin County Community Discord Server (Online Event)
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This Halloween... Let's do the Time Warp again!
Rainbow Connections is hosting an online viewing party of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween Night!
Movie is Rated R - viewer discretion is advised.
Must join the 2SLGBTQIA+ Elgin County Community Discord server to participate. Email us for access.
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Resource of the Month - Women's History Month
October marks Women's History Month!
GECO believes in equity for all. Part of creating equity is sharing informative, educational, or supportive resources. This month, we're featuring Women of Impact - Government of Canada.
Women of Impact in Canada is an online gallery dedicated to women's achievements, featuring profiles of courageous women who have made an impact in politics, the arts and sciences, and countless other fields. By sharing their stories, we can cement their place in history and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
Resource Features Canadian Women In:
- STEM
- Arts
- Politics
- Human Rights
- Trailblazers
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GECO believes community representation is essential in the collaborative efforts towards gender justice. We believe that gender justice can only be achieved when all intersectional genders are included. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, valuing individuals from all intersectionalities - all genders, cultures, ages, races, orientations, locations, and abilities.
We highlight days of recognition to bring awareness to and empower gender equality by balancing the economic, political, social, and employment conditions in Ontario. Each day of recognition includes information on the issue, tips for better understanding, and how you can have a positive impact on the community.
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National Coming Out Day
Sunday, October 11
In today's political climate, being "Out" can be scary if not dangerous. You shouldn't have to hide yourself "in the closet" to be accepted. 2SLGBTQIA+ people are valid and deserve support no matter what.
On National Coming Out Day, we celebrate the people who are out to the people in their lives and the community at large. For those not letting people know they are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, perhaps today's the day you let people know. If that sounds intimidating, perhaps National Coming Out Day is a day of reflection and hope.
For a lot of people, coming out doesn’t just happen once. A lot of folks find themselves coming out at different times to different people: with a few friends online, with trusted family members, or just one person in their life.
After thinking it through, you may decide to be out to yourself, but not to anyone else — and that’s okay. Many people choose not to come out to others for different reasons.
Sometimes, coming out doesn’t go according to our hopes and plans. If people don’t react the way we wish, it does not reflect on the realness of our identities, and it is not our fault.
Whatever you choose, whenever you come out, whomever you come out to, know that you are valued for being your authentic self. You matter. You are loved.
For those looking for more information on coming out or exploring your sexual orientation and/or gender identity, we suggest "The Coming Out Handbook" by The Trevor Project. Click the button below to learn more.
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National Persons Day
Sunday, October 18
Gender Justice is ever evolving, but did you know that women and gender-diverse people weren't considered "persons" until 1929?
Before this, the British North American Act contained either "Person" when referring to multiple people and the word "He" when referring to an individual. Many people used the literal word "He" to mean only men could be considered a person. The nature of the Act thus restricted women from government.
In 1927, five women who have since become known as the Famous Five launched a legal challenge that would mark a turning point for equality rights in Canada. Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards were journalists, politicians, reformers and activists from Alberta who asked the Supreme Court of Canada to answer the following question: does the word “person” in Section 24 of the BNA Act include female persons? After five weeks of debate, the Supreme Court decided that the word “person” did not include women.
Although shocked by the Court’s decision, the Famous Five did not give up the fight and took their case to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great Britain in London, which was then Canada’s highest court of appeal.
On October 18, 1929, Lord Sankey, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, announced the decision:
“The exclusion of women from all public offices is a relic of days more barbarous than ours. And to those who would ask why the word ‘person’ should include females, the obvious answer is, why should it not?”
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