July Newsletter 2026

Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario

Message from a GECO's Executive Director

As we head into summer, I've been doing a lot of reflecting.

This year has been one of the hardest, and one of the most important, of my leadership journey.

One thing I know for certain is that learning never stops.

Over the past several months, our Board and leadership team have been working with Selam Debs, taking the time to learn, unlearn, ask difficult questions, and have conversations that challenge us to become better leaders and a better organization.

We haven't done this because it's easy.

We've done it because it's necessary.

When harm occurs, there isn't a quick fix. There isn't a checklist that makes everything right again. There is only the willingness to stay at the table, listen, be accountable, and keep learning.

That is the work we're committed to.

This summer Amanda and I will continue to work with the staff and our Board internally—strengthening our governance, deepening our learning, and thinking intentionally about who we want GECO to be.

In September, at our AGM, we'll begin sharing more of that journey with our members and community, not because the work is finished, but because it is important to be transparent about where we've been and where we're going.

I also know that Selam's guidance is only the beginning. As we move forward, we'll continue learning alongside other community leaders and people whose lived experience and expertise will help us grow.

I'm proud of the people who have stayed in this work, even when it has been uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens without discomfort, and meaningful change takes time.

As I sign off for the summer, I'm filled with hope.

Hope that we can continue listening with open hearts.

Hope that we can continue choosing courage over comfort.

And hope that GECO will continue growing into the organization we aspire to be—one that leads with humility, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to gender justice.

Thank you to everyone who continues to walk beside us. We'll see you in September, ready to keep learning together.

Dani

Organizational Learning

Building a Stronger GECO

At GECO, we believe that advocating for equity also means being willing to look inward. If we ask others to grow, we must be prepared to do the same.

Over the past several months, our Board and leadership team have been engaged in an intentional organizational learning journey focused on anti-racism, accountability, governance, and organizational growth.

We are grateful to be working with Selam Debs, whose expertise has helped guide thoughtful conversations about leadership, systems, privilege, accountability, and how we continue building an organization that reflects the values we champion every day.

This work has required us to listen, reflect, ask difficult questions, and challenge ourselves to think differently. While these conversations have not always been easy, they have been meaningful and necessary.

Learning is not something we complete—it is something we commit to.

Over the coming months, our work will continue in several ways:

• July & August: Our Board will continue its internal learning and governance work, strengthening policies, practices, and shared understanding.
• September: At our Annual General Meeting, we will share what we have learned, where we are heading, and how this work will continue to shape GECO's future.
• Beyond September: We are committed to continuing this journey by learning alongside community leaders, building stronger relationships, and ensuring accountability remains part of our organizational culture.

We know meaningful change happens over time. Every conversation, every reflection, and every step forward helps us become a stronger organization and a better partner to the communities we serve.

Thank you to everyone who continues to walk alongside us with honesty, patience, and hope. Together, we are building a GECO that continues to learn, grow, and lead with integrity.

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 urging communities to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic. Across Ontario, more than 100 municipalities, including London, Toronto, St Thomas, Alymer 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 sexism isn't just a people problem—but a systems problem?

Most organizations don't intend to create cultures where sexism persists.

Yet it happens every day.

It shows up in who gets heard. Who gets promoted. Who is interrupted. Who feels safe to speak up. Who decides to leave.

What if there was another way?

The Antisexist Toolkit challenges us to stop simply reacting to sexism and start preventing it. It offers a new way of thinking—one that moves beyond awareness and toward meaningful action.

This isn't about blame.

It's about building workplaces, schools, organizations, and communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and succeed.

The Antisexist Toolkit invites us to ask difficult questions, rethink long-held assumptions, and create cultures where equity isn't an aspiration—it's part of everyday practice.

We're incredibly excited to begin sharing this work, and we can't wait to see where these conversations lead.

Because real change doesn't happen by accident.

It happens on purpose.

Are you ready to be part of the conversation?

Reach out to learn more about the Antisexist Toolkit and how your organization can get involved.

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.

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. Please email us for the address.

July's Activities:

July 7 - Paint Night

July 14 - Would You Rather?

July 21 - Make Your Own Slime

Young Adult Social (YAS):

Please note: Young Adult Social is on hiatus for July and August 2026.

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!

QAS July Dates: Thursday, July 9 & 23

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!

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.

Strathroy Pride

Sat July 4, 12-4 PM

Alexandra Park, Strathroy

Rainbow Connections is on the road to Strathroy for their 6th annual Pride in the Park!

You can look forward to musical performances, 45 vendor and community booths, 5 food trucks, bouncy castle, and sensory relief zone.

Look for Rainbow Connections for some Pride swag, purchase a Pride flag to help us raise some funds, and say "Hello!" to Ruthie & Bugg.

Hope to see you there!

Thames Centre Pride

Sun, July 5, 12-4 PM

Dorchester Community Park Pavilion

Ruthie & Bugg will be representing Rainbow Connections at the Thames Centre Pride in the Park!

Come out to Pride in the Park, Dorchester Pavilion for a family-friendly event. The Thames Centre Pride celebration is designed to promote awareness, visibility, and support to our 2SLGBTQAI+ community members and families.

This year’s event will include JNS Dance Dorchester, rainbow bouncy castle, face painting, popcorn machine, crafts and and musical entertainment and much more!

St Thomas Pride in the Park

Sat, July 25, 11 AM - 4 PM

Pinafore Park, St Thomas

It's the big Pride event Rainbow Connections has been waiting for - the 5th Annual St Thomas Pride in the Park!

Attendees can expect musical performances, drag storytime, karaoke, food vendors, a youth market, and over 35 vendors and community booths.

Don't forget to bring your signs and wear your best Pride gear for our parade around the park!

Be sure to stop by the Rainbow Connections booth to make your own Pride button, pick up some swag, find out about volunteer opportunities, or purchase a full-size Pride flag to help us raise some funds.

Remember - Pride is a Riot.

While June is typically considered "Pride Month," many organizations still celebrate and hold Pride events in July. We are still here speaking out against hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and celebrating the ability for people to live openly as who they are.

The reason a lot of people celebrate in June is in honour of the Stonewall Riot/ Rebellion that began on June 28, 1969. It wasn't the first time police raided a gay bar, nor was it the first time 2SLGBTQIA+ folks rioted. It was the catalyst for recognition, activism, and change. It marked a new beginning for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks.

Even today, here in Canada, we're seeing a backslide into outspoken hate, disinformation, and open hostility for the community, queer and trans rights, especially for youth, being questioned and challenged, and incidents of harassment and violence on the uptick.

We need to SPEAK UP and CALL OUT harmful behaviour and attitudes towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Nobody should be hiding in their closet, figuratively and literally speaking.

We need to CELEBRATE the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, people with the courage to live their lives authentically, and their positive impacts on the community at large.

Pride is historically a riot, but the principles are still the same today. People try to subdue us, erase us, and dehumanize us. We still riot with love over hate and exhibit pride in who we are. We will never stop.

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. Each day 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