August Newsletter 2026

Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario

Board Update

As we move into August, the GECO Board will be taking a well-deserved pause.

As activists, advocates, and community leaders, we believe in the idea that rest is radical. Sustainable social change requires not only action, but also time to rest, reflect, and renew. Over the past year, our Board has dedicated countless hours to advancing gender justice, supporting our community, and strengthening our organization.

Throughout August, we will be taking time to reflect on the lessons, challenges, and accomplishments of the past year while preparing thoughtfully for the work ahead.

Our organizational activities will resume in September, and we look forward to returning with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and a continued commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive future.

Thank you to everyone who has supported GECO throughout the past year. We wish you a restful and restorative August, and we'll see you in September.

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde

Organizational Learning

Carrying Forward the Lessons of Resilience



As I reflect on the past year, one of the moments that continues to stay with me is hearing Bean Gill speak at the CCWEST Conference in Calgary this past May.

Bean's story is extraordinary. After a sudden spinal injury left her paralyzed from the waist down, she chose not to let adversity define her. Instead, she transformed unimaginable challenges into a life dedicated to resilience, inclusion, and creating opportunities for others.

What struck me most wasn't simply her story—it was her perspective.

Bean challenged us to rethink what resilience really means. It isn't pretending everything is okay. It isn't pushing through at all costs. Resilience is choosing to keep moving forward, even when life has completely rewritten the plan. It is about rejecting the idea that "impossible" gets the final say.

Working in the labour movement and through the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario (GECO), I meet people every day who are facing their own mountains. Workers fighting for fairness. Survivors rebuilding after violence. Women entering industries where they are are still told they don't belong. People with disabilities advocating for accessibility. Members navigating injuries, discrimination, grief, and change.

Their challenges may look different, but the lesson is the same.

We rarely get to choose the obstacles placed in our path. We do get to choose how we respond—and how we support one another.

Bean also reminded me that inclusion is not something we do for people; it is something we build with people. When we remove barriers instead of expecting individuals to overcome them alone, everyone benefits. That philosophy is at the heart of the work we are doing at GECO. Whether we are advancing anti-racism, creating safer workplaces, supporting women and gender-diverse people in skilled trades, or building communities where everyone belongs, our goal is always the same: creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

That message also reinforces why initiatives like ConnectHER matter so much. Connection changes lives. When we create spaces where people feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered, we strengthen not only individuals but entire communities.

As I continue this work, I know I will carry Bean's message with me.

When the work feels difficult...

When change feels slow...

When the barriers seem overwhelming...

I will remember that resilience is not about never falling. It is about continuing to rise, learning from every challenge, and helping others rise alongside us.

I encourage everyone to take some time to learn more about Bean Gill and the incredible work she continues to do. Listen to her story, follow her journey, and, if you're able, support her work. Her message is one that has the power to change perspectives and inspire action.

At GECO, we believe change happens when we lift one another up. Bean's story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when resilience is met with opportunity, community, and inclusion. It is a reminder we will carry forward through ConnectHER and every initiative we undertake.

Together, we can all help build a world where everyone belongs.

Dani, Executive Director, GECO

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

The Importance of Anti-Sexism

Sexism affects everyone. It limits opportunities, reinforces harmful stereotypes, contributes to violence and discrimination, and creates barriers in our schools, workplaces, communities, and homes. While many organizations focus on responding to sexism after it occurs, anti-sexism is about preventing it before it happens.

Anti-sexism is the intentional practice of identifying, challenging, and dismantling the beliefs, behaviours, policies, and systems that create or maintain gender inequality. It moves beyond simply not being sexist and calls on individuals and organizations to actively create environments where people of all genders are respected, valued, and able to thrive.

The benefits of anti-sexism are far-reaching. Workplaces that embrace anti-sexist practices experience stronger leadership, improved collaboration, increased innovation, and higher employee satisfaction and retention. Schools become safer places to learn, where young people are free to pursue their interests without being constrained by gender stereotypes. Communities become more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable, reducing discrimination while fostering a greater sense of belonging.

Anti-sexism also recognizes that sexism does not exist in isolation. People's experiences of gender are shaped by other aspects of identity, including race, disability, sexuality, age, culture, religion, and socioeconomic status. An anti-sexist approach, therefore, works alongside anti-racism, accessibility, and other equity initiatives to address the interconnected systems that create inequality.

Creating meaningful change requires more than good intentions. It requires education, self-reflection, accountability, and the willingness to challenge attitudes and practices that have often been normalized for generations. Every person has a role to play—whether by speaking up when witnessing discrimination, examining unconscious biases, advocating for equitable policies, or creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Anti-sexism is not about blaming or dividing people. It is about building healthier relationships, stronger organizations, and more just communities. When we actively challenge sexism, everyone benefits. People are freer to reach their full potential, organizations become more effective and innovative, and communities become places where every individual can participate fully and safely.

An anti-sexist society is one where respect, equity, and dignity are not aspirations—they are everyday realities. By committing to anti-sexism, we are investing in a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and flourish.

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 two safe community spaces for Trans and Queer youth, young adults, and adults in St Thomas:

• Queer Qlub for those ages 12-18
• 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 connect with us for the location.

August's Activities:

August 4 - Blackout Poetry

August 11 - Art & Crafts

August 18 - Karaoke

Queer Adult Social (QAS):

In partnership with Elgin County Pride, queer adults aged 18+ are welcome to join us at the YWCA, 16 Mary Street West, 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 - Wed, 2-5 PM

Rainbow Connections has officially opened a 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.

Rainbow Connections thanks the following organizations for their support:

• I'veGotYourBack911
• YWCA St Thomas - Elgin
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of St Thomas - Elgin
• Harbour Merchant Coffee Co

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.

Rainbow Connections Fundraiser

Sat, August 8 from 11am - 4pm

308 Highview Drive (behind Elgin Centre), St Thomas

Rainbow Connections is in need of funding to keep the lights on at the Hub and our programs running.

Generous community members are hosting a Rainbow Connections fundraiser which includes:

• BBQ and Bake Sale
• Yard Sale
• Silent Auction with over 20 lots

Be sure to stop by to grab lunch, purchase a tasty treat, bid on a couple of amazing auction items, and maybe find your next treasure at the yard sale!

Rainbow Connections is relying on community support and funding. Cutting services would increase incidents of crisis, not reduce them. Can we count on your support?

Save the Date!

GECO's Annual General Meeting

Thurs, October 15 from 6-8 PM

CASO Station, 750 Talbot Street, St Thomas

Free registration via EventBrite

Help us "Plant the Tree!"

The Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario (GECO) is excited to share the learning we've done over the past year and what our future and community goals look like during our Annual General Meeting.

Join Us For:

• Speaker Selam Debbs
• Community Feedback
• Catered Refreshments

GECO relies on community connections to create systemic change, offer meaningful programming, and strive for gender equality.

Please RSVP through EventBrite.

Resource of the Month

GECO believes in equity for all. Part of creating equity is sharing informative, educational, or supportive resources. This month, we're featuring Canadian Women's Foundation - The Facts About Intersectional Feminism in Canada.

August is Intersectionality Awareness Month

Intersectionality: First coined in 1989 by lawyer, civil rights advocate, and critical race theory scholar Kimberle Crenshaw, intersectionality describes when a person identifies with two or more marginalized, oppressed, or underrepresented groups as well as the impact systems have on people who are at the intersection of those identities. Forms of identity include: race, gender, class, sexuality, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and ability.

Advancing gender equality in Canada isn’t just about closing gaps between men and women. People experience different barriers depending on many elements of their identities. Pursuing true equality means recognizing and meeting all peoples’ diverse needs.

Get the facts about:

• How does intersectionality play a role in the movement toward gender equality today?
• How can intersectionality be implemented by policy makers and government?
• How can I be an intersectional feminist ally?
• How can service providers apply intersectionality into their work to better support their clients?

Vol .20 Newsletter