Pride Month is a celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community throughout the month of June. 2SLGBTQIA+ stands for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, plus other self-affirming ways people may identify. Pride Month is a time to reflect on the past, present and future contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. We must also acknowledge the discrimination this community faces, especially the trans community.
In honour of Pride Month, we are bringing together a range of library and community resources. To find out more about the history of Pride in Canada, check out this timeline from McMaster University.
Kitchener Public Library Resources
QueerKPL Bike Map
Waterloo Region has many locations that are significant to our local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We have created a bike map for you to take a journey through time! This map showcases the Ron Welker Collection from the Grace Schmidt Room of Local History and content from the Grand River Rainbow Historical Project.
2SLGBTQIA+ Titles
There are a variety of 2SLGBTQIA+ titles available at Kitchener Public Library. Check out this non-exhaustive list with items for various age groups.
QueerKPL Programs
QueerKPL is a chapter within Kitchener Public Library that provides 2SLGBTQIA+ programming and content. We welcome all members of this community and allies to these events. These events range from craft kits to honour 2SLGBTQIA+ holidays and observances, to panel speaker events, such Trans in KW. Find our programs by using the QueerKPL category filter on our event listing.
QueerKPL: Digital Temporary Tattoos
Tuesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. Central Library
Saturday, June 15 at 2 p.m. Central Library, Civic Park (next to the Central Library)
Rainbow Reflections Screening
Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. Central Library, Theatre
Thursday, June 27 at 5:30 p.m. Central Library, Theatre Lobby
2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Wedding and Event Venue
Central Library is a beautiful space to exchange your wedding vows. Say “I do” surrounded by the greatest love stories of all time. Central Library is a fully accessible building with inclusive washrooms for all your event needs. All love is welcome here. Learn more about venue rentals at Kitchener Public Library.
Photo courtesy of Liam Good Visuals.
Community Resources
Tri-Pride
Tri-Pride is our local Pride festival that celebrates diversity in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge. Tri-Pride is typically held on the first weekend of June. This year’s event is on June 1, 2024! For more information and details, check out their Facebook page.
SPECTRUM
SPECTRUM provides a variety of services to folks in Waterloo Region identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ including support groups, educational resources and events. SPECTRUM also provides resources for allies, educators, care providers and community leaders.
OK2BME
OK2BME is operated by Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health (previously KW Counselling Services.) It offers education resources and free support services to kids, youth and families identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+.
Gender Variant Working Group and ACCKWA
The Gender Variant Working Group (GVWG) provides education and awareness about gender variance and trans identity, with support from the AIDS Committee of Cambridge Kitchener Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA). Recently, they have been running the Gender Affirming Project with free sizing sessions with binders. ACCKWA also has a variety of 2SLGBTQIA+ resources.
Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity
The Glow Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity is part of the University of Waterloo. It is one of the oldest university-based 2SLGBTQIA+ groups in Canada. They host a variety of events and have a collection of resources on their website.
Willow River Centre
The Willow River Centre is an open community space for Indigenous, racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. They host a variety of events and have drop-in hours from Tuesday-Friday each week.
University of Waterloo Drag Club
The University of Waterloo Drag Club celebrates drag culture and performance with an array of events each year. Find them on Instagram.
There are so many great ways to celebrate Pride Month! We hope you enjoy exploring these resources in our community and at Kitchener Public Library.