Welcome to the “BER” months

Hello pflag Durham Region Family!

As the leaves start to turn and we welcome the cozy vibes of September, we’re excited to dive into another vibrant month with all of you! 🍂✨ Whether you’re wrapping up summer adventures or gearing up for fall festivities, we’ve got some fantastic updates and events lined up just for you.

So grab a pumpkin spice latte, cozy up, and let’s make September a month to remember. We can’t wait to see you at our events and share in the joy and support that makes pflag Durham Region so special.

Stay fabulous and keep spreading that pflag love!

Warmest wishes,

The pflag Durham Region Board of Directors

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.

More Upcoming Events

• The Spice Queens, Regent Theatre - Sept 8, 2024, 8pm

• Take Back The Night: We Are Louder Together - Sept 19, 2024

• International Day of Peace - Sept 21, 2024

• Gender Equality Week - Sept 22-28, 2024

• Glitter & Glamour Drag Show - Sept 28, 2024

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sept 30, 2024

• Camp Rainbow Phoenix Fundraiser Gala - Oct 5, 2024

• Evening of Hope - Oct 20, 2024 - to submit names

Past Events

• Camp Rainbow Phoenix - Week 1, July 21-26, 2024, Week 2 Aug 18-23, 2024

• North Durham Pride - Uxbridge, Aug 10, 2024

• Watch our social media for pictures of these events

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.

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

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.

Rainbow Knots Yarn Group - COMING SOON

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!

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.

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? Every other Monday from February 12 to June 17, 2024. Ages 10-15, 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Ages 16+, 7:30 p.m. -9:00 p.m.

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

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.

And Then I Was Free

We exist to show folks they’re not alone, and that everyone can be free.

Mental health, addiction, and identity support and education for youth and Indigenous communities across Canada.

Offering comprehensive sensitivity and inclusivity training based on lived-experience to help organizations advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Programming, Training and Resources available on their website.

Pflag Durham Region Volunteer Opportunities

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!

There are even more events in the the works for 2024 including a Fundraising Gala for Camp Rainbow Phoenix, and more!

@NiveaCanada Instagram

Please check out the Nivea Canada Instagram page. They are a major sponsor of Camp Rainbow Phoenix and have multiple reels on the impact camp has. #ProudInYourSkin

Camp Rainbow Phoenix Fundraiser Gala

🌈 Join Us for a Night of Glitter and Giving at the Camp Rainbow Phoenix Gala! 🌟

Get ready to sparkle and shine at our annual Fundraiser Gala in support of Camp Rainbow Phoenix! This enchanting evening will be filled with joy, celebration, and the power of community as we come together to support a camp dedicated to empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 11-17. Our camp provides a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment where campers build leadership skills, form lasting connections, and celebrate their true selves—all at no cost to them.

Mark your calendar for Oct 5 at General Sikorski Hall, where you'll enjoy a night of inspiring stories, fantastic entertainment, and a silent auction brimming with unique items. Your attendance and generosity help ensure that every camper experiences the magic and support that Camp Rainbow Phoenix has to offer. Together, we’re not just raising funds; we’re creating a brighter future for our youth.

✨ Get your tickets now and be part of something truly special! ✨

If you have items for a silent auction, prize envelopes or know of companies/individuals that would be interested in donating, please email courtney@pflagdurhamregion.com.

The Spice Queens - Sept 8, 2024 at 8pm

VIP Seats with Meet & Greet Available

This sensational event will feature five iconic drag queens as the ultimate SPICE GIRLS impersonators. Join Baby Bel Bel as Ginger Spice, The Virgo Queen as Scary Spice, Orphelia Manson as Baby Spice, Imarra as Posh Spice, and Lucy Flawless as Sporty Spice, for an unforgettable night of glamour, music, and nostalgia. Don’t miss this fabulous tribute to one of the most beloved pop groups of all time!

Let the Spice Queens drag up your life! 5 iconic Toronto drag queens come together to bring you the ultimate Spice Girls impersonation. Get ready for an unbelievable concert experience, which will blow your socks off with expert lip-syncing, amazing hair-do’s, masterful dance moves and GIRL POWER from top to bottom!”

Tickets are available here.

Past Events

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