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.
Nira
Pronouns: She/They
Role: Check-In Program Coordinator
Loves: My cats, crocheting, making earrings, taking care of my plants
Work Interests: Working with and creating safe(r) spaces for QTBIPOC youth.
Rae
Pronouns: They/He
Role: 2SLGBTQIA+ Activities Coordinator
Loves: comedy, board games, makeup, costumes
Work Interests: Working to celebrate the power of community. To build safety and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and spaces to express vulnerability. To provide education for allies and those less fortunate in their acceptance of 2SLGBTQIA+ folk.
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.