June Newsletter 2026

Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario

Learning, Unlearning, and Doing Better

At GECO, we believe equity work is ongoing work. It requires reflection, accountability, difficult conversations, and a willingness to grow. Especially when we get things wrong.

Over the past months, our board and leadership team have been engaged in intentional learning and unlearning work with Selam Debs, an award-winning anti-racism educator, speaker, facilitator, and creator of The Antiracism Course.



Selam’s work challenges organizations to move beyond performative statements and into meaningful reflection and action. Through her facilitation, she has created space for honest conversations about anti-Black racism, bias, privilege, power, intersectionality, and community accountability.

As an organization, we know there have been moments where we could have responded differently, acted sooner, or had harder conversations more openly. We are committed to learning from it and building stronger practices moving forward.

Working with Selam has helped deepen those conversations internally and strengthen how we show up, both within our organization and in the communities we serve.

This work is not about perfection, easy answers, or quick fixes. It is about reflection, repair, accountability, and continuing to do better.

We are grateful to Selam for her leadership, honesty, and the space she creates for meaningful learning and transformation.

To learn more about Selam and her work, visit: www.selamdebs.com/.

To find out more about Selam's anti-racism course, visit: www.selamdebs.com/antiracism-course.

For a sample of Selam's practical PDF guides and educational resources to support organizations and individuals in deepening their understanding of antiracism and equity, for example - Antiracism Guide on Microaggressions - visit : www.selamdebs.com/antiracism-guide-microaggressions

Advocacy Committee

We are excited to officially introduce Tammie Ross as GECO’s new Advocacy Chair. Tammie is a Registered Social Worker with psychotherapy as a designated area of practice. She brings extensive experience in mental health, advocacy, and community support work, along with a deep commitment to equity and social justice. We are incredibly grateful to have her leadership helping guide and strengthen GECO’s advocacy initiatives.

One of the Advocacy Committee’s first projects will focus on calling on the City of St. Thomas to formally declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic. Across Ontario, more than 100 municipalities, including London, Toronto, and Peel Region, have already passed similar declarations following recommendations from the Renfrew County Coroner’s Inquest.

These declarations are important advocacy tools that recognize IPV and femicide as urgent public crises while calling on upper levels of government to:

• Increase funding for shelters, housing, prevention programs, and legal aid
• Improve training within justice, healthcare, and social service sectors
• Officially recognize IPV as a province-wide public health crisis

London City Council declared IPV and femicide an epidemic in July 2023, and GECO believes communities of all sizes have a responsibility to take meaningful action to address violence, support survivors, and advocate for systemic change.

We look forward to supporting this important work through advocacy, community engagement, education, and coalition building.

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.

Anti-Sexist Toolkit News

Are you looking to create a safer, more inclusive, and equitable workplace or community space? Do you want to better understand antisexism and learn practical ways to challenge sexism in everyday environments?

GECO’s Antisexist Toolkit offers organizations the opportunity to explore meaningful, action-based learning designed to foster respect, inclusion, and gender justice. Our customizable training modules can be adapted to meet the unique needs of workplaces, schools, community groups, and organizations of all sizes.

We are currently seeking organizations interested in piloting this innovative toolkit and helping shape the future of antisexist education. By participating, your organization can gain valuable tools, resources, and strategies to build healthier and more supportive environments for everyone.

Interested in the Anti-Sexist Toolkit?

Interested in learning more or becoming a pilot organization? Please reach out to Amanda Zavitzm at azgendereqcoalition@gmail.com.

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:

• Queer Qlub for those ages 12-18
• Young Adult Social for those 18-30
• 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.

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.

QQ's June's Activities:

June 2 - Vision Boards

June 9 - Queer History

June 16 - Movie Night

Young Adult Social (YAS):

YAS is for those aged 18-30 years. It takes place on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8 PM. Join us for some games, snacks, crafts, or just chill & chat. Members are welcome to bring their own projects to work on.

Next Meeting: June 23

Queer Adult Social (QAS):

In partnership with Elgin County Pride, queer adults aged 18+ are welcome to join us at 53 Hiawatha Street, 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!

Drop-in Hub

Location: 15 St Catharine Street, Unit 305, St Thomas, ON

Hours: Mon - Thurs, 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.

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!

ConnectHER Initiatives

GECO’s Executive Director of Advocacy is currently representing GECO at the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology Conference (CCWESTT), where she is also participating as a panel speaker alongside advocates and leaders from across the country.

The conference has created an opportunity to build meaningful coast-to-coast connections with champions of women in trades, equity advocates, educators, and industry leaders working to remove barriers and strengthen pathways for women and gender-diverse people in skilled trades and STEM sectors.

We are excited to continue expanding these national relationships and collaborations as part of GECO’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and systemic change within the trades.

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.

Queer Prom

Saturday, June 6, 7-10 PM

YMCA, 20 High Street, St Thomas

Registration Required | FREE!

Ages 14 - 19 | Substance & Alcohol Free

Get ready to dance, celebrate, and be your fabulous self at Queer Prom 2026 - the ultimate party for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies!

Queer youth (and their ally friends) age 14-19 are invited to join us for a night of fun, dancing, and celebration. The theme is "Be Yourself" and you're encouraged to dress as you wish - formal, casual, or anything in between. 

For those of you who want to be a part of the Prom 2026 celebration, but prefer a quieter experience, we are super excited to partner with Wellkin once again to offer our Chill Zone.  

Registration Required.

Wortley Pride

Saturday, June 13, 10 AM - 5 PM

Wortley Village, London

Rainbow Connections will be at Wortley Pride! Be sure to find our booth, grab some swag, and say "Hello!"

Wortley Pride is a volunteer run, family focused celebration for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities & their allies in the heart of beautiful Wortley Village in London, Ontario!

CultureFest

Friday, June 19, 4-7 PM

St Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis Street, St Thomas | FREE!

Rainbow Connections is taking part in CultureFest held at St Thomas Public Library!

Celebrate the diversity of our community at CultureFest! In partnership with the St. Thomas–Elgin Local Immigration Partnership and St Thomas Public Library, this free, family-friendly event features cultural performances, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect, learn, and share experiences from around the world.

No registration is required for this FREE event.

All-Ages Pride Event Sign Making

Tuesday, June 30, 6-8 PM

YWCA Gym, 16 Mary Street W, St Thomas

Rainbow Connections & GECO are participating in the London Pride Parade, and YOU'RE invited! But first, we need to get ready.

Rainbow Connections is inviting 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies to an all-ages sign making event in preparation for our participation in the London Pride Parade held in July.

We'll provide bristol board, markers, and paint. You provide the creativity! If you'd like to bring other materials to decorate your sign, you're welcome to to do so.

No registration is required for this FREE event.

Celebrate Pride Month with Spectrum

GECO believes in equity for all. Part of creating equity is sharing informative, educational, or supportive resources. This month, we're featuring Spectrum.

June is Pride Month! GECO would like to share the resources provided by Spectrum, an Ontario community support. The purpose of Spectrum is to educate the general public in issues and better understanding of the 2SLGBTQIA+/Rainbow community with a specific focus on positive level of engagement and relationships in the community.

Spectrum is a great resource for:

• 2SLGBTQIA+, Queer & Questioning folks
• Non-2SLGBTQIA+ Friends & Family
• Educators, Service and Care Providers & Community Leaders

Spectrum's Online Resources Include:

• Coming Out
• Mental Health & Wellness
• Educational Resources
• Parenting
• Employer & Ally Resources
• Fact Sheets
• Research Reports
• Legal Sex Designation and Name Change Walkthrough

Pride Month is about 2SLGBTQIA+ knowledge and support, celebrating who you are in safety, the progress and contributions the 2SLGBTQIA+ have made, and working towards allyship. Spectrum's resources can help you do this.

Days of Recognition

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. Days of recognition includes information on the issue, tips for better understanding, and how you can have a positive impact on the community.

Vol .19 Newsletter