Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario
February Newsletter 2026
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Pink Triangle Day
Saturday, February 14
In the Canadian context, Pink Triangle Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. It is a day to reflect on the historical injustices faced by the LGBTQ+ community, to honor the activists who have paved the way for change, and to recommit to the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
Today, Pink Triangle Day is more than just a historical commemoration; it is a call to action. In a world where LGBTQ+ rights are still under threat in many regions, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity, activism, and education. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, to celebrate the diversity and resilience of its members, and to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.
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Pink Shirt Day
Wednesday, February 25
"A group of teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school. It all began when a group of teens went to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag. As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. The bullies were never heard from again."
Bullying takes place in schools, online, at work, and at home. The impact it has on mental health is tremendous, and it needs to stop. On Feb. 25, wear a pink shirt to show your commitment to end bullying in all its forms.
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Say "Hello!" to Christina Waite (she/her)
Board Title: President of Youth Group
Board Member Since: 2022
Why GECO?
As an aspiring physician, I am deeply committed to advancing gender justice within the healthcare system. I’ve witnessed how gender bias, inequitable access, and systemic barriers can shape patient experiences and outcomes, and I want to be part of the movement that changes that. Through my work with the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario (GECO), I aim to amplify voices often left unheard, advocate for inclusive healthcare policy, and help foster a medical culture grounded in empathy, respect, and evidence-based equity. GECO gives me the platform to translate advocacy into action—bridging community engagement, education, and policy reform to build a healthcare system that serves everyone with dignity and fairness.
Career Title and Workplace: Student at UWO
Other volunteer positions or credentials: Vice President of Bioethics Society at UWO, Emergency Department Volunteer at STEGH
Achievements, Awards, and Things to Celebrate: Western Honours Student, achieved 93% average in Grade 12, Overall highest mark in Religion, Gym, and Kinesiology Studies in High School, Western Entrance Scholarship of Distinction, Spoke at the United Nations on Youth Leadership and the Future of Feminism.
Fun Facts: I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, and have a Golden Retriever named Moxie!
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Black History Month
In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established. Its founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, petitioned the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month. In 1979, the first-ever Canadian proclamation was issued by Toronto.
In 1993, the OBHS successfully petitioned Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced a motion to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians and to designate February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada's parliamentary position on Black History Month.
The Government of Canada has compiled a list of 94 noteworthy Black Canadians and their contributions, including:
- Dr B. Denham Jolly
- Dan Philip
- Rosemary Sadlier
- Yvonne Squires
- Emma Stark
- Violet King
- Chloe Cooley
- The Honourable Lincoln M Alexander
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OAITH - Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses
OAITH has released the monthly femicide report for December. There have been 5 women killed in Ontario since November. these are almost always predictable, and therefore preventable deaths. Prevention is a system level solution that is carried out in local communities, by the people who stand closest to the violence. They need our collective respect, protection and support.
The Ontario government cannot protect Ontario if femicide prevention is not part of the plan. Gender-based violence in all its forms destabilizes families, workplaces, and local economies and places sustained pressure on health care, justice, housing, and child-serving systems.
Violence Against Women Coordinating Committees (VAWCCs) are doing critical prevention work on the ground, with minimal support. Prevention is not a one-time initiative; it requires ongoing engagement and coordination, strong leadership, steady investment, and long-term planning. The National Action Plan is underway. We need to ask in our communities and of our elected officials, what is happening, what is the long-term strategy? How can we work together to get the most out of these unprecedented investments? Creating public safety is non-partisan. It requires governments to work closer to communities to access the local expertise that can help inform strategy, planning and future investments.
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Exciting News Coming Soon!
March 2026
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Gender Equality Matters
Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is happy to announce we have a big project that's nearly ready to share with you!
We've been working on a major project for some time now. We've tested it with focus groups, and we're ready to launch it in March 2026.
Our goal for this project is to help organizations and workplaces achieve gender equality and gender justice through focused training.
Stay tuned!
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Creating Equitable Communities: Leadership Summit
Friday, March 27, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM
CASO Station, 750 Talbot St, St Thomas
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Will you grow with us?
Leaders and community builders are invited to join the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario in a leadership summit where we will discuss how, together, we can create and grow more equitable communities in St Thomas, Elgin County, and the surrounding area.
Attendees are invited to share a brief presentation on what their organization is currently doing to help create communities that embrace equity and feministic values during our spotlight introduction. We aim to work together to collaborate on an action plan of how we can grow our communities collectively.
Lunch will be provided.
Register for FREE through Eventbrite
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All-Ages Book Fair
Tues March 31, 2026, 6-8 PM
Contact Us for Location
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Relive the nostalgia of a Scholastic Book Fair - the joy of seeing so many books in one place, the mystery of what little trinkets you may pick up, the thrill of finding the next perfect read - and this time, it's for FREE!
Join Rainbow Connections for an All-Ages Book Fair - where community members donate books from a wide variety of genres, and you get to take home as many as you like at no cost!
Share the love of reading with Rainbow Connections members. Not a member, yet? Connect with us to join!
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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
February 2026 Events for Youth:
Feb 3: QQ - Nintendo Switch Night
Feb 10: QQ - XOXO Paint Night
Feb 17: QQ - Movie & Popcorn Night
Feb 24: YAS - Games & Chat
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, February 12, 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, third floor, St Thomas, ON
Hours: Mon - Thurs, 2-5 PM
Rainbow Connections has opened a 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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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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