Queer Inclusion in Vancouver - 2STGD Events

Greetings from Queer Inclusion Team

The Vancouver Park Board puts together a newsletter each month outlining all the great programs and events planned for LGBTQ2Si+ community members in Vancouver. Individuals who are interested in receiving the newsletter which has more details can e-mail 2STGD@vancouver.ca to be added to the mailing list. We’ve listed just a few general items below - be sure to subscribe to get the latest details!

For more information visit Park Board Pride here →

Programs

Queer Inclusion Year-Round Programming

2STGD Swim

Please e-mail 2STGD@vancouver.ca for inquiries about our swim sessions and available lessons this season.

2STGD Workout

Mondays 7:15PM-8:30PM | Adults & Youth 13+

Our weekly workout is led by Sara (they/them), a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer. Classes are done circuit-style out of Multipurpose Room 2. Workouts remain full-body and committed to meeting people where they're at, but now have a focus depending on the week of the month. Free weights and other equipment are provided. Regular drop-in rates apply.

First Monday – Core
Second Monday - Arms/Upper Body
Third Monday- Lower Body/Legs and Hips
Fourth Monday- Lower Stimulation (No music and lights stay low)
Fifth Monday (if applicable) - Trainer's choice - This may mean trialing exercises, experimenting with pair exercises, or similar.

For these programs email queerinclusion@vancouver.ca for details.

Leisure Access Pass (LAP) for 2STGD Participants

If you are a Two-Spirit, Trans, or Gender Diverse resident of Vancouver, and you face financial barriers to participating in recreation, the Queer Inclusion team can help you process a Leisure Access Pass by providing a low-barrier third party referral. Come find us at our regular programs, or e-mail: 2STGD@vancouver.ca

Bus Tickets

We now have 1-zone and 2-zone bus tickets for participants at our 2STGD programs that find transit to be a financial barrier in accessing our programs.

Queer Inclusion Winter Programming

Get Creative!

Wednesdays 3:45PM-5PM | January 10, 2024 to March 13, 2024 | Ages 7-12

Get Creative! provides a safe space for Two Spirit, Trans, and Gender Diverse (2STGD) children to connect and create! Bring a favourite sketchbook and pencil, or use provided supplies. Classes will be led by Wake Darrah Cook (he/they), Emily Carr Alumnus and published comic artist. Registration information here.

Queer Circus Drop-In

Wednesdays 5:45PM-7PM | January 10, 2024 to March 13, 2024 | All ages

Join us in the 2nd floor gymnasium to hoop, juggle, spin, twirl, flow, and play in an accessible, body positive environment. No experience required, beginners welcome. We provide hoops, juggling balls and clubs, poi, diabolo and more. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible person (babysitter, parent, guardian). This is a free, drop-in program, and more information can be found here.

2STGD Comic / Zine Creation

Wednesdays 7:15PM-8:45PM | January 10, 2024 to March 13, 2024 | Ages 19 and up

Participants will develop visual storytelling projects throughout the Fall season and discuss topics related to being 2STGD. Classes will be led by Wake Darrah Cook (he/they), Emily Carr Alumnus and published comic artist. Bring a favourite sketchbook and pencil, or use provided supplies. This program is free although registration is required here. Late registration welcome, space permitting.

Community Centre Programs

Boxing for 2STGD Youth

Wednesdays 4PM-5PM | January 17, 2024 to March 27, 2024 | Youth 12-18

This class will teach the basics of punching and footwork of boxing, which is not only fun and fosters confidence and body awareness. Boxing is also an excellent practice for coordination and overall movement literacy. Some youth learn to discover their strength, some to regulate their strength. Late registration is welcome, space permitting. More class details and information about our coaches are in the registration link here.

Youth Pride Lounge

Wednesdays 4PM-6PM | Youth 13-18

We welcome all Two Spirit, Trans, Gender Diverse, Queer and Questioning youth. This month’s calendar features a chocolate workshop and thrift shopping! Please call Raycam 604-257-6949 to register and for more information.

Queer Youth Create

Fridays 7:15PM-8:15PM | January 12, 2024 to March 15, 2024 | Youth 13-17

Queer Youth Create is a social art group for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 13-18 and their allies. QYC is a casual space for youth to work on passion projects, meet new friends, and play with new materials and mediums. This program is facilitated by Wake Darrah Cook, Emily Carr alumnus and published comic artist. Participants will be asked to bring whatever arts, crafts, or writing projects make them happiest. This program is free and the registration is here.

Queer Youth Drop-In Saturdays

Saturdays 2PM-4PM | January 6, 2024 to March 30, 2024 | Youth 13-18

A safe and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+, questioning or unlabelled youth to authentically be themselves. Email khai.truong@vancouver.ca for more info.

Partner Programs

Queer Book Club @West End Community Centre

3rd Thursday of every month 6:30PM-8PM | April 18, 2024 to June 20, 2024 | Adults

Joe Fortes Branch and Queer Inclusion are collaborating to bring a new, three-month Queer Book Club to the West End! This will be a facilitated, monthly discussion program for queer folks. More information and registration can be found here. Please note that registration is limited, and will open on Friday, March 8th at noon.

QMUNITY’s Trans ID Clinic @Roundhouse

1st and 3rd Wednesdays and 3rd Friday of every month | 4-6PM | January 3, 2024 to March 20, 2024

QMUNITY and Roundhouse Community Centre are hosting Trans ID clinics upstairs at Roundhouse. Trans ID Clinic provides notarial, administrative, and emotional support to lower-income folks who require assistance with name and gender marker change processes. Services provided by volunteer peer navigators and lawyers. Every other month includes fingerprinting service. More information here or schedule an appointment here.

Community Features

Free ADHD Assessments for 2STGD folks @Catherine White Holman Wellness Centre

CWHWC has been providing free ADHD assessments available to Two-Spirit, trans, and gender-diverse communities regardless of MSP or other status. The assessments provide a potential diagnosis of ADHD along with medication and other support recommendations. The funds we have been using to provide ADHD assessments will no longer be available after March 31st of this year. Anyone considering an ADHD assessment is strongly encouraged to request an appointment as soon as possible, to ensure we can get them in.

Various Applications opening for UBC CampOUT!

CampOUT! is a leadership and learning summer camp for queer, trans, Two-Spirit, questioning, and allied youth ages 14-21 from across BC & the Yukon. The camp is held on Gambier Island, unceded Squamish territories. CampOUT! provides a supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to celebrate and be celebrated for who they are. We are looking for amazing individuals to help make CampOUT! a reality for 2024. Leader applications are now open, and camper applications will open on February 15th. Check out their website for more information.

Youth & Family, Swim & Skate in North Vancouver

North Vancouver Recreation & Culture has two dedicated Saturdays each month for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, families, friends, and allies! For locations, please email Jackie.hamm@nvrc.ca or janet.rerecich@ncrv.ca. Youth turning 13 by Dec 31, 2024 are welcome to participate.

Youth Pride Swim (13-18yrs)       6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, March 9, 2024
Youth Pride Swim (13-18yrs)       6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, April 13, 2024
Youth Pride Swim (13-18yrs)       6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, May 11, 2024
Youth Pride Swim (13-18yrs)       6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, June 8, 2024
Family Pride Swim                         6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, March 23, 2024
Family Pride Swim                         6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, April 27, 2024
Family Pride Swim                         6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, May 25, 2024
Family Pride Swim                         6:30PM-8PM                    Saturday, June 22, 2024