May Newsletter 2026
Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario
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Red Dress Day
Tuesday, May 5
On May 5, red dresses are hung in trees and windows to raise awareness and activism honouring murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S+) in Canada.
The ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people that we are facing is a direct result of colonization.
Multiple bodies – including the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1999), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (2014), the CEDAW Committee (2015), and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019) – have identified that sex and race discrimination in the Indian Act is at the root of the MMIWG2S+ crisis.
In 2023, Statistics Canada released a report showing that Indigenous women and girls were six times more likely to be murdered than other groups of people in Canada. Between 2009 and 2021, Indigenous women and girls made up of 2% and 3% of the Canadian population, yet represented 5% and 7% of homicide victims.
These statistics do not give a name or a face to these daughters, granddaughters, sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers and friends – human beings – who have experienced this ultimate victimization of ongoing colonialism.
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International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Sunday, May 17
Observed every year on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) is a global moment of solidarity and collective action for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Everyday, LGBTQIA+ people face discrimination, potential violence, and harassment. Around the world, the rights of LGBTQIA+ people are challenged, rolled back, or attacked. Hate is on the rise. Canada is no exception. What this community needs is understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.
How can you help? Speak up when you witness homophobia, transphobia, or biophobia. What you can say:
- Interrupt, assertively interject – “Stop it.” “Wait a moment.”
- Disagree – “I disagree with what you just said.” “I don’t think that is true.”
- Call it discrimination, or homophobia – “That’s homophobic”, “That is a discriminatory comment."
- Help the “offender” to self reflect – “Did you really mean to say that? That’s a very hurtful comment.” “You sound really annoyed. What’s going on?”
Check out the Rainbow Action Hub for information and tools to combat 2SLGBTQIA+ hate.
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May 1st is May Day
May 1 is International Workers' Day—a day built on resistance, solidarity, and workers refusing to accept less than dignity. The labour movement has always been about more than wages—it’s about safety, equity, and who gets to be protected at work. As attacks on equity continue, we’re reminded that these fights are connected. When we push for gender equity and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, we are continuing the legacy of workers who organized, demanded more, and changed the system.
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Help Us SAVE Rainbow Connections
We provide safety, belonging & stability
to queer youth.
Rainbow Connections serves 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults across St Thomas, Elgin, London, and Middlesex.
Over the past 2 years, we created:
- The Queer Qlub (ages 12-18)
- The Young Adult Social (ages 18-30)
- The Caring Cupboard
- A safe community Hub at 15 St Catharine Street, St Thomas
Our programs are full. Our funding was cut.
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Why This Matters
In rural communities, affirming spaces are limited. Many of the young people we serve face:
- Isolation
- Mental health challenges
- Family rejection
- Food insecurity
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Rainbow Health Ontario
Research shows that the health of 2SLGBTQ+ people is often compromised by stigma, discrimination, invisibility and a lack of cultural and clinical competence within the healthcare system. Belonging to a sexual and/or gender minority is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety and cancer, as well as behaviours driven by minority stress, like substance use and avoidance of care. These inequities in access, quality, inclusivity and satisfaction are not isolated—they are persistent and entrenched in the Canadian healthcare system.
Rainbow Health Ontario helps build a healthcare system that better serves 2SLGBTQ+ people across the province. They train healthcare and service providers to deliver culturally and clinically competent care, create accessible and evidence-based health resources, support policy change, and amplify research in 2SLGBTQ+ health. As a 2SLGBTQ+-led organization grounded in lived experience and clinical knowledge, we work to close gaps in care and improve health outcomes for our communities.
Rainbow Health Ontario's Resources include:
- A Resource Library
- Trans Health Knowledge Base
- Service Directory Provider
- Publications
- Glossary
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Equality & Rights on the Ballot?
Across the country, we’re seeing growing pressure on gender equity and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. This is not the time to sit back.
GECO is building out a targeted lobbying and advocacy plan to make sure politicians don’t get to ignore these issues. We’ll be pushing for real commitments—not vague statements—on:
- Gender equity
- Workplace protections
- 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and safety
We’re not here to be polite observers—we’re here to hold the line and push it forward.
Stay tuned. We’ll be calling on our network to take action.
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C.A.M.P. 2026
Wed, May 13, 6:00-9:30 PM
CECI, 201 Chestnut Street, St Thomas
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Connection - Awareness - Mindfulness - Purpose
Rainbow Connections is attending C.A.M.P. 2026 - an event created to support the mental wellness of high school students in St Thomas. Attendees will benefit from a guest speaker, a student-led "fireside" chat, and information booths from community organizations promoting positive mental health.
This event is for registered students of CECI, Parkside, and Arthur Voaden and their caregivers.
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Pride Flag Day
Thurs, May 14 from 6-8 PM
Dorchester Public Library, 2123 Dorchester Rd, Dorchester
No registration is required for this drop-in event.
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You Are Seen. You Are Valid.
You Matter.
Rainbow Connections is visiting Dorchester on Thursday, May 14 from 6-8 PM to bring Pride Flags to the community!
Be seen and be proud! Rainbow Connections will be selling full-size Pride flags for $30 and offering a variety of free mini Pride flags! All proceeds go towards Rainbow Connection's "Keeping The Lights On" Campaign.
Want to wear your flag? We're bringing our button maker! Choose a flag that matches your identity, draw your own, or make a pronoun button - the options are endless.
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Speaker's Series - Gender Equality and the Labour Movement
Monday, May 25, 7-8:30 PM
Zoom; Registration Required
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This May, our featured Speaker's Series will have discussion centred around Gender Equality and the Labour Movement.
Join moderator Amanda Zavitz as she engages in dynamic conversation with speakers Patti Dalton, Sue Fairweather, and Darryl Bedford.
This free event takes place over Zoom.
Free tickets and registration via EventBrite:
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Are you a
Queer or Trans youth living in rural Southwestern Ontario?
Do you know
someone who is?
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Rainbow Connections
May 2026 Events for Youth:
Week 1: QQ - Pride Flags
Week 2: QQ - Werewolf Game
Week 3: QQ - Movie Night
Week 4: YAS - Games Night
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 for those ages 12-18 and Young Adult Club for those 19-30.
Queer Adult Social:
In partnership with Elgin County Pride, queer adults aged 18+ are welcome to join us at 53 Hiawatha Street, St Thomas on the second Thursday of the month from 6-8 PM for Queer Adult Social. Hang out, play some games, and make some friends!
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Rainbow Connections 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, collect some resources, and just be themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.
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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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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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