2SLGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces

Newcomer Community Events

2SLGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces

Services for Newcomers that are Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex and anyone under the gender, romantic and sexual non-conforming umbrella

The 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer Community Support program is a new, unique program in Hamilton creating community spaces and connections for 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers to connect with their community and peers in a safer, supportive environment.

The Join Program is designed to recognize the unique intersection of being both 2SLGBTQIA+ and a newcomer, and the resulting barriers in creating and accessing community spaces that affirm both one’s 2SLGBTQIA+ identity and cultural identity. YWCA Hamilton has a strong foundation serving newcomers and hosts Speqtrum, a newcomer-founded, newcomer-run and newcomer-focused program for queer and trans young people in Hamilton.

Newcomers will be directly supported by the Speqtrum team for the first ever 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomer program in Hamilton.

Our staff team will support you in providing care for your children while you attend our services and will assist with transportation, translation and interpretation services when in-person services resume.

Our services are available online, in person, and over the phone. Call or email us to book an online or in-person appointment with our staff.

Join us to access:

Weekly events such as Socials, Workshops and Conversation Circles

Join us to participate in weekly social programming and meet with like-minded queer newcomers and trans peers. Our social sessions feature a range of activities, and you can choose which interest you or come to them all! We are always open to ideas and welcome your thoughts on what could be our next social.

Intergenerational Kitchen

Join in the fun and cook under the rainbow at our Intergenerational and Intercultural Kitchen. In partnership with Speqtrum and Compass Community Health Centre, this program is dedicated to connecting 2SLGBTQIA+ Newcomers who may feel isolated from mentors in their community while preserving cultural connections. Participants will share recipes from home, build community while sharing a meal.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join us through a volunteer capacity and provide direct support to Speqtrum’s programs and services. By volunteering with us, you will gain valuable employability and life skills, make new friends and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

One-on-one Sessions and Advocacy

Join us and share your unique story. We will get to know you and your needs to better connect you with the people, support, services and resources that will support you in your journey. Through personalized advocacy and one-on-one support, we create opportunities to connect queer, Trans and two-spirit newcomers directly with decision makers, so they can directly impact Hamilton and beyond.

Enhanced Supports

Our staff team will support you in providing care for your children while you attend our services. We will also assist you with transportation, translation and interpretation services to make our programming accessible.

To get in touch for more information about Care for Newcomer Children, or to register:

Find out if you’re eligible

To participate in the Join Program, participants must:

identify as a woman, non binary person or 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomer (regardless of gender) and,
be selected by IRCC as a Permanent Resident, Protected Person/Convention Refugee or a Live-in Caregiver: Temporary Foreign Worker with an approved work permit