Who We Are and What We Do
For Us, By Us
speqtrum is a program of YWCA Hamilton that is youth-founded and youth-focused. speqtrum focuses on skill-sharing and community building for 2S-LGBTQIA+ young people in Hamilton, ON.
We aim to build community among 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth by offering a variety of programs and supports. We provide online one-on-one support through weekly Check-Ins and Peer Support, where speqtrum team members support youth through different challenges in life. We also provide community-building opportunities through group events and skill-sharing workshops that help our community build capacity and advocate for change
Recognizing we all have different interests, abilities, and comfort levels, speqtrum creates a variety of spaces to meet other like-minded 2S-LGBTQIA+ folks.
Mission and Mandate
Recognizing the need for 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth community development and ownership, speqtrum will be developing a mission statement with the guidance of youth, peers, and elders in the future.
Our current mandate is to support the growth and development of 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth (17-29) and their communities through two meetups each month and workshops investing in the skills and organizing capacity of our city's queer and trans youth.
Our goal is that Hamilton's 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth will form and maintain healthy, close relationships with their peers and community.
Meet the Team
Noura
Pronouns: She/Her
Role: 2S-LGBTQIA+ Newcomer Youth Support Worker-YWCA Join Programs
Loves: Plants, community, gaming, bellydance
Work Interests: Finding creative ways communities can care for each other, exchanging skills and knowledge that build community capacity.
Rae
Pronouns: They/Them
Role: speqtrum Coordinator
Loves: Comedy, board games, makeup, costumes, cats
Work Interests: Working to celebrate the power of community. To build safety and support for 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth and spaces to express vulnerability.
Sid
Pronouns: He/They
Role: Project Intersect/ACT Coordinator
Loves: Reading fanfiction, making art, writing poetry, and cuddling small animals
Work Interests: Empowering and building community with QTBIPOC youth.
.png)
Kat
Pronouns: She/Her
Role: Check-In Staff
Loves: Art, room decor, listening to music, plants, hiking, baking
Work Interests: Facilitating welcoming environments and services that encourage people to come as they are. Working to create spaces that foster community and a sense belonging.