Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario


September Newsletter 2025

Bi Visibility Day

Tuesday, September 23


The date highlights bisexuality and the challenges posed by biphobia and bisexual erasure, as well as celebrating the work of a growing number of local, national and international organizations around the world which champion bisexual visibility and equality.


It is a celebration in particular of bi identity but also of other identities under the “bi+ umbrella” like pansexual, polysexual and omnisexual.


Truth & Reconciliation Day

Tuesday, September 30


The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.


This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.



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What's New with GECO

Definition: Outing


Exposing someone’s lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender or gender non-binary identity to others without their permission. Outing someone can have serious repercussions on employment, economic stability, personal safety or religious or family situations.


Did You Know?


First Nations people living off reserve ($28.78) and Métis ($30.38) earned significantly less per hour than non-Indigenous people ($32.58) in 2022.

While summer is a time for some much needed self-care and family connection, our Rainbow Connections team were busy at Pride events, spreading the word about our three Queer social groups and GECO. They kicked the summer off with a more relaxed (safe space) tent at St Thomas' Canada Day celebrations and wrapped it up with Aylmer Pride in the Park. Excellent job at creating connections and creating spaces, team!


Once again, the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario participated in the London Pride Parade. Our parade crew included many volunteers and Rainbow Connections queer social group participants. The outpour of love from parade attendees was overwhelming! Thank you to the generosity of GECO supporters, we were able to give away bubble wands and mini pride flags which gave spectators the opportunity to participate in the parade. People were excited and grateful to be able to wave their new flag safely and with pride!


This month, we are back in full swing! We started September off with an epic day at UWO O'Serves with fantastic first-year students who immersed themselves in London community through volunteering and learned about local organizations. GECO also looks forward to working with three students over the coming months. Welcome, students, and thank you for your enthusiasm!

Meet the Team!

Say "Hello!" to Ky Maheu (he/him)


Board Title: Director, Youth Chair

Board Member Since: January 2025


Why GECO? As a young male navigating both the professional world and my academic journey, I have witnessed the barriers faced by women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other marginalized groups around me. It should not be harder for them to succeed simply because of who they are. GECO’s mission empowers me to actively challenge these inequities and foster safe, inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

What Can GECO Do For You? GECO provides me with a platform to collaborate with passionate leaders, amplify youth voices, and create meaningful change in our communities. It also gives me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills while contributing to initiatives that align with my values of fairness, inclusion, and equality.


We Celebrate Ky because...

  • BMOS Degree from Western
  • CAPM certification 
  • Member (volunteer) for the Project Management Institute Southwestern Ontario Chapter (PMISWOC)
  • Young Professionals committee member at Canada Life
  • Volunteer alumni at Kings University College Western
  • Successfully helped launch Rainbow Connections, a transformative peer-support program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in partnership with GECO


Fun Fact about Ky: A fun fact about Ky is unlike others his age that love scrolling Instagram or TikTok, Ky truly enjoys scrolling LinkedIn. It’s become a bad habit of his - checking it first thing in the morning and scrolling it before bed. Ky’s also very much into sports, playing them whenever and wherever he can!


Resource of the Month

Gender Equality Week

September 21 to September 27


The fourth week of September is Gender Equality Week in Canada, a time to highlight progress made to advance gender equality, celebrate women’s achievements, and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to closing persistent gender gaps that hold too many back. 


Did You Know?

It wasn't until 1977 that the Immigration Act was amended, removing “homosexuals” from the list of “inadmissible classes.”


To learn more about Canadian Gender Equity, visit the Government of Canada website.




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Upcoming Events

GECO Annual General Meeting


Hold the Date!

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

6:00 pm


Fleetway (The Spare Room)

720 Proudfoot Lane, London

It's almost that time of year!


Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is required, by law, to hold an Annual General Meeting to review financial statements and vote for Board Members.


We are excited to review 2024 with you, and we hope you can join us in October!


Keep an eye on next month's newsletter for further information and to RSVP.


Our Mission is Simple.

Achieve Gender Equality



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GECO Projects

Are you a

Queer or Trans youth living in rural Southwestern Ontario?

Do you know

someone who is?

Rainbow Connections


September 2025 Events for Youth:


Sept 2: QQ - Back to School Celebration

Sept 9: YAS - Embroidery

Sept 16: QQ - Art Night

Sept 23: QQ - Food Night & Card Games


Rainbow Connections is a GECO program in partnership with Rainbow Optimists and funded by United Way. This program creates two safe community space for Trans and Queer youth: Queer Qlub (QQ) for those ages 13-18 and Young Adult Social (YAS) for those 19-30.


Details about Queer Adult Social (for those aged 18+) will arrive in October!


ConnectHER


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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