Find out about our 2025 programs, resources, and volunteer opportunities in one place. This month's newsletter is your go-to source for current and upcoming events.͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 

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Pflag Durham Region
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January 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to 2025!

As we step into a new year, we’re excited to continue fostering support, advocacy, and education for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Durham Region. January is a time for fresh starts and renewed commitments, and we’re ready to build on the momentum of 2024 with new initiatives, events, and opportunities to connect and grow together.

In this issue, you’ll find updates on upcoming programs, highlights from recent achievements, and ways to get involved in the months ahead. Let’s make 2025 a year of inclusion, understanding, and progress. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey—we couldn’t do it without you!

Here’s to another incredible year of community and connection! 🌈

More Upcoming Events

  • Trans Parent Day - Nov 3, 2024

  • Transgender Awareness Week - Nov 6-11, 2024

  • Transgender Day of Awareness - Nov 20, 2024

  • Deceiving Divas Shows - Nov 29 & 30, 2024

Past Events

Summary of Programs & Events

Sharing Nights

  • Transitions (Adult)

  • FamilyTransitions (formerly Parents' Sharing Night)

  • Young Adults

  • Parents of Young Children

  • Teens & Tweens

Crafting, Reading, and Games Nights

  • Book Clubs (Youth and Adult)

  • Rainbow Knots Yarn Group

  • Board Game Night

Community Programs & Resources

  • DCHC - Gender Journeys

  • DCHC - Colours Youth Group 

  • DCHC - Gender Affirming Chats

  • DCHC - FamilyTRANSformations

  • ACDR - Safe Spaces

  • ACDR - MSM

Pflag DR Volunteer Opportunities

  • There are many volunteer opportunities available. Please see below or our website if you are interested.

Sharing Nights

If you’re looking for a way to connect and find support, consider joining us for one of our peer-facilitated sharing nights. We host virtual and in-person programs.

Transitions (Adult)

The transitions group offers a social space for trans & questioning folks aged 16 and older. Transitions runs a monthly virtual meeting and a monthly in-person meeting. There is also a Discord server for Transitions members to further find/build their community.

Join Transitions: Please use this link to contact the Transitions team. You can also connect with the Transitions team at transitions@pflagdurhamregion.com.

FamilyTransitions (formerly Parents’ Sharing Night)

Our sharing group for parents, guardians, and caregivers of trans and non-binary youth and adult children runs on the first Wednesday of each month.

Join FamilyTransitions: Please use the following Zoom link to join our next FamilyTransitions meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86957068465

Sharing Night, North Durham

If you live in North Durham, join us via Zoom on the third Thursday of every month to connect with the North Durham Sharing Night group.

Join Sharing Night North Durham: Please contact us at inquiries@pflagdurhamregion.com to request the Zoom link to our next meeting.

Young Adults - Now Running Online (In Person coming soon)

If you are between 18 and 29 years old and looking to connect with others, join us via Zoom on Sundays bi-weekly (May 5), always welcoming new folks to join!

Join pflag YA: Please contact us https://tinyurl.com/5dkncm85 to get added to the pflag YA list and get the Zoom link.

PFLAG Durham Region Young Adults group information poster. Text: Coming Soon. Sign up to get more information once we get started.

Parents of Young Children - COMING SOON

We are currently developing a new program for parents of young children. If you’re interested in this program, please sign up here to get more information when it becomes available.

Teens & Tweens - RETURNING SOON

Teens & Tweens group information poster. Four young people in front of a wall with rainbow art, holding a Pride flag. Text - Sign up to get more information once we get started.

Our Teens & Tweens group for 10 to 14 year olds who want to get to know their 2SLGBTQI peers, have a safe space to be themselves, and have fun playing games and doing activities will be returning! If you’re interested in this program, please sign up here to get more information when it becomes available.

Crafting, Reading, and Games Nights!

We’re planning several ways to have fun, connect, and learn something new for 2024. If you’d like to join a book club, create fibre arts with us, or get together for a games night, you can use the links below to sign up to receive details as information becomes available for these new programs.

Book Club - COMING SOON

We are planning two book clubs - One for youth 14-17 and one for adults 18+. If you’re interested in this program, please sign up here to get more information when it becomes available.

Book club information poster. Cartoon person sitting on a tall pile of books with rainbow background. Text - Sign up to get more information once we get started.

Rainbow Knots Yarn Group

If you’d like to join us for knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, macramé, and sewing - Embark on a creative journey with our upcoming Rainbow Knots Yarn Group in 2024! Sign up here to be added to the mailing list for this group. All abilities of knotters welcome!

Yarn club information poster. Rainbow coloured yarn. Text - Rainbow Knots Yarn Group. Knit. Crochet. Needle point. Cross stitch. Macrame. Sew. Sign up to get more information once we get started.

Board Game Night - COMING SOON

Planning is underway for board game night in 2024, and you can be part of the fun! If you would like to be contacted once we know more, please fill out this form.

Collage of board game pieces, playing cards, and puzzles. Text - Coming Soon. Game Night. Board games, good times. If you would like to be contacted once we know more, fill out the form below.

Golden Group

Our 35+ LGBTQ group is a welcoming and safe space for individuals over the age of 35 who identify as LGBTQIA+. This group offers a unique opportunity to connect with peers who share similar life experiences, providing a comfortable environment to share stories, find support, and build lasting friendships. Whether you’re looking for community, camaraderie, or just a place to relax and be yourself, this group embraces everyone with open arms. Join us as we come together to support one another, celebrate our identities, and foster a space where everyone feels valued and understood. Please fill out the following link to be informed of the details - click here.

Community Programs & Resources

While we make changes and develop new programs, please explore some of the resources our community partners are offering for youth and family supports.

DCHC - Gender Journeys

The 9-week Gender Journeys program is a place to explore your gender and connect with others who are also on a gender journey. It is a peer-facilitated program for ages 10-14 and 15+.

For more information: contact anagel@durhamchc.ca or call 905-428-1212 ext. 2239

DCHC - Colours Youth Group

2SLGBTQI Youth in Grade 9 to 12 are invited to join the Colours Program running once a month. The program will be in-person at the DCHC Pickering location and will feature interactive activities!

Food and snacks are available. Registration is required.

To register: contact Sharon at (905) 903-3512 or Alyssa at (905) 723-0036 ext. 3204

DCHC - Gender Affirming Chats

A space where folks that don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth or are questioning their gender can connect with each other. This group will alternate between discussion topics, and a social space to play games, do some art and get to know each other.

When? Monday September 30 (virtual)
Thursday October 17 (in person)
Monday October 28 (virtual)
Thursday November 21 (in person)
Monday November 25 (virtual)
Thursday December 12 (in person)
Monday December 16 (virtual)

Where? Alternating between in person at DCHC Pickering Site (17-1450 Kingston Rd.) and virtual

To register: Contact Declan to schedule a short intake call. Email gendercare@durhamchc.ca. Call or Text: 905 213 1207

Note: When folks are registered for the group they can pick and choose which sessions they’d like to attend.

Specific dates and links to descriptions of each session can be found here.

DCHC - Family TRANSformations

Family TRANSformations is a support and resource group for parents/caregivers of people who identify as trans, non-binary, or gender-expansive. Registration is required.

For more information, contact Jennifer at 905-428-1212, ext. 2229

DCHC - Calm Kids

Durham Community Health Centre will be hosting a Calm Kids group, which is 6 weeks in duration and will run on Wednesdays from October 23rd to November 27th from 4:00pm-5:30pm via Microsoft Teams.

The group is aimed at children ages 10-12 who are experiencing anxiety, and their parent(s) would be expected to attend the group as well. Calm Kids is based on the “Cool Kids” manualized group developed by Macquarie University, which incorporates CBT strategies to help children learn how to challenge their anxious thoughts, and gradually expose themselves in a safe way to things that make them feel anxious.

To Register Call: Melanie S. at 905-420-0333 x1008

ACDR - One Voice

One Voice is a collective created to meet the health and social service gaps experienced by queer and trans people of colour aged 13 to 29.

For more information, contact ​Nathan Rhodes-Truppe, Youth Outreach Coordinator at nathaniel@aidsdurham.com or call 905-576-1445 ext 518

ACDR - MSM

MSM works with and for gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (msm) by providing relevant knowledge, skills, resources, social activities and events as well as promoting community building partnerships.

For more information, contact ​Adrien King, MSM Outreach Coordinator at adrien@aidsdurham.com or call 905-576-1445 ext 512.

Pflag Durham Region Volunteer Opportunities

Cartoon hands holding Pride flags and wearing various Pride-coloured wrist bands framed by rainbow colored paint splotches. Text - Looking for volunteers: Education, Flag raisings, Inquiries, Group facilitators, more.

Join our volunteer team! We have diverse opportunities for those interested in community education, attending flag raisings, answering general inquiry responses, facilitating groups, and more.

If you're interested in volunteering, please take a moment to complete this form and let us know about how you'd like to play a role in our community initiatives.

More Upcoming Events!

Pickering Library - The Prism Collective

We will be meeting the second Wednesday of the months from 6:30pm-8:30pm for games, activities, watch parties, and discussions around community and identity. The group is for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies 16-25 and people can register for it at pickeringlibrary.ca/events

Whitby Public Library - Rainbow Recharge

  • All ages 

  • Drop into our safe crafting space to connect with 2SLGBTQ+ folks in the community (allies are also welcome). Create something unique using our button maker, learn how to make stickers, and more!   

  • Central Library    

  • Fridays, March 28, April 25, May 30, 6:00–7:00 p.m. 

  • Location:  Meeting Room 1A 

🎨 PFLAG Durham Region Sticker Design Contest! 🎨

Calling all creatives! PFLAG Durham Region is excited to announce our Sticker Design Contest. We're looking for a unique, eye-catching design that celebrates 2SLGBTQIA+ pride and inclusion. The winning design will be turned into an official PFLAG sticker, available for purchase on our website! 🌈✨

The Prize: The winner will receive a special gift, and their design will be featured and sold on the PFLAG website.

Deadline: February 15th, 2025

How to Enter: Email your designs to inquiries@pflagdurhamregion.com

Let your creativity shine! 🌟

Lush Supports Pflag Durham Region with a Product Donation!

We are excited to share that Lush (Pickering Town Centre) has generously donated a selection of their amazing products to Pflag Durham Region! These contributions will be used to enhance our events, fundraisers, and care packages, bringing joy and support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Lush’s dedication to community care and sustainability shines through their products, and we are grateful for their partnership. Thank you, Lush, for helping us spread love and kindness across Durham Region!

Glitter & Glamour Winter Drag Show 2025!!

A Miss Seductions Production: 

Live Drag Show, featuring some of Durham Regions Finest Drag Talent

Hosted by Miss J & Violet Seductions

Tickets are $25 (plus $1.95 handling fee)

Doors Open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm!!!

If purchasing in groups larger than the table options, let us know so we can do our best to seat you together

Thank You to this month’s Donors

  • Darla Jones

  • Sasha Kreider

  • Allison Boyce

  • Catherine McKay

  • Kellie Simmons

 

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906 Brock Road, Suite 8, Pickering, ON L1W 1Z9, Canada

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