Nelson High School IDAHBT Event
May 15
Nelson High School’s GSA, Halton PFLAG and the Positive Space Network of Halton are hosting a presentation for school student leaders with video, speakers and resources to help student leaders develop the tools and strategies needed to foster a safe, positive atmosphere within the school, especially for those who face bullying due to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This event is not open to the public.

Radio Show “Exploring Our Communities”
May 16 from 9:00am to 10:00am
Tune in to CFMU 93.3 for a special hour-long show marking IDAHBT. Host Gord Jackson will engage guests in discussion and reflection on the significance of this day.

The City of Hamilton LGBTQ Advisory Committee & Access & Equity Office IDAHBT Event
May 17 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
City Hall, Council Chambers, 71 Main Street West
(Between MacNab and Bay) – Venue Is Wheelchair Accessible
The City of Hamilton’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee in conjunction with the City of Hamilton’s Access & Equity Office invite you to this special IDAHBT event. Guest speakers, including Will Rowe (The Well’s Trans Outreach & Advocacy Worker) and Kerry Cranston (City of Hamilton LGBTQ Advisory Committee), will present on the barriers facing Hamilton’s trans communities, discrimination and bystander involvement.

SACHA & the YWCA Mark IDAHBT
May 17 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
YWCA, First Floor Lobby, 75 Macnab Street South
SACHA with the support of the YWCA will be holding an IDAHBT event, which will include an information table, themed snacks reading “End Transphobia & Homophobia” and educational videos.

Mohawk College Marks IDAHBT
May 17 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Mohawk College, 135 Fennell Avenue West
Mohawk College (Fennel Campus) will hold information tables at the college to mark IDAHBT. Throughout the day, relevant information will also be posted on screens in the halls and on the college website.

Good Shepherd Women’s Services Marks IDAHBT
May 17
Good Shepherd Women’s Services will be making rainbow cupcakes for the day. Women service users will be invited to decorate a cupcake while participating in discussion on the significance of IDAHBT. There will also be a large poster for women to sign and add their positive comments. This event is not open to the public.

Centenary United Church Community Potluck
May 17 at  7:00pm
Centenary United Church, 24 Main Street West
Centenary United Church is holding a community potluck for members, friends and supporters of the LGBTQ communities to mark IDAHBT.

Community Development Hamilton & Positive Space Network Halton Workshop
May 17 from 8:30am to 11:30am
860 Harrington Court, Suite 209, Burlington
RSVP Required. Workshop Cost: $15 (Members) / $25 (Non-members)
Community Development Hamilton and Positive Space Network Halton invites you to this special edition of the Diversity Breakfast Series with presenter Marcus Logan. This workshop will cover the “how” of becoming one step closer to diversity complement. Everyone welcome! At this workshop, participants will:

• learn how to intervene when there are incidences of harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace;
• build capacity within the work environment to challenge homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism; and
•  gain awareness and understanding of the lives and culture of those who identify as LGBTTTIQQ.

To RSVP of for further information, contact: volunteer@cdhalton.ca / (905)632-1975

POSSE Project & Positive Space Network Halton “Indisposable” Event
May 17 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Milton’s Senior Centre, 500 Childs Drive, Milton
Join the Posse Project and Positive Space Network Halton for Indisposable, a special event that is part of the PhotoVoice project to mark IDAHBT. At the event, youth will share their perspectives on homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through photography, including youth from the POSSE Project, the E.C. Drury GSA and the Robert Bateman GSA. For more information: www.posseproject.org / (905)634-2347 ext. 408

With more than a week of events, community members and allies will have many different types of programs to choose from, and many opportunities to get involved. The Well will be announcing its full schedule of events this week. Stay tuned for further details!

How you can get involved in Hamilton Pride 2012:

Community Members & Allies
Come out and show your Pride! Attend events that interest you. Bring along a friend, family member, loved one, co-worker, teacher … anyone you can! Share the information about events with your networks and help spread the word!

Volunteers
Interested in helping organize Pride events with The Well? Simply contact us at layla@thewellhamilton.ca or 905-525-0300 to get involved!

Event Hosts
Are you hosting a Pride Week event? Let us know! As in previous years, on behalf of the LGBTQ communities and allies, The Well will be promoting all known Pride events on our website and through our e-newsletter to let our community know about all of the exciting things that are planned. If you would like your event listed, please notify us by May 25 at pride@thewellhamilton.ca.

Run a Booth on Pride Day
Calling all social service providers, community groups, businesses and organizations! Support Pride organizing and connect with the LGBTQ communities by booking a booth on Pride Day, June 16 at Pier 4. Cost is $50, sliding scale for community groups and not-for-profits. For further information, contact pride@thewellhamilton.ca or 905-525-0300.

Sponsors
Pride is an opportunity for organizations, businesses and Hamiltonians at large to connect with the LGBTQ communities, and contribute to making our city a better place to live, work, study and play. Any support you can provide will contribute to making Hamilton Pride stronger, better and more inclusive.  Support may include financial donations, or discounts on goods and services. Perhaps you have a venue you can donate? Or can provide tent rentals at a discount? Contact us directly at info@thewellhamilton.ca or 905-525-0300.
Join us for Hamilton Pride 2012 as we celebrate the diversity and achievements of the LGBTQ communities and allies, strengthen community and discuss the future of our communities.

Thursday, May 24 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
The Assessment Centre, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Education Centre
100 Main Street West
(Corner of Main & Bay) – Venue Is Wheelchair Accessible

* Snacks provided. Bus tickets available upon request. *

Are you a parent/caregiver of a child or teenager who attends high school within the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board?

Is your child or teenager experiencing challenges at school due to gender identity issues?

Are you interested in connecting with other parents/caregivers who share similar concerns?

The LGBTQ Community Wellness Centre of Hamilton (The Well) and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board are hosting an information session to hear your concerns, offer an opportunity to connect with other parents, and provide you with information and community resources for supporting your child or teenager.

The session will be facilitated by Will Rowe, MSW, Trans Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator at The Well. Gail Belisario, Principal of Equity, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, and Dr. Carys Massarella, Trans Health Care Clinic, Quest Community Health Centre, St. Catherines will be present to hear concerns, and to offer information and support.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Will Rowe at:
transpeersupport@gmail.com
(905)570-2932
Hamilton Pride

Thursday, May 17 / Doors Open at 6:30pm 
Freeway Café, 333 King Street East
(Corner of King & Wellington) – Venue Is Wheelchair Accessible

*Free Refreshments Available. Bus Tickets Available Upon Request.*

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, held on May 17 every year, is a Canadian-based global rallying event offering an opportunity for people to get together and take a stand against discrimination. On this occasion, The Well is calling on members and allies of the LGBTQ communities to speak out against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

Join us for Deviate from Hate, a special Open Mic edition of our Coffee Night program, featuring presentations, artwork and performances. This event is an opportunity for community members and allies to speak to their experiences in a public, safe space while flexing its creative muscles. From playing music and singing to reading poetry and putting on a drag performance, we welcome any and all contributions! Register for the Open Mic today! All are welcome to enjoy this LGBTQ positive space. The event will feature:

• Brief presentations on the significance of the day
• Live performances
• Original artwork
• Information booths
• Refreshments and an opportunity to mingle
• An Open Mic program

Why This Day Is Important

Discrimination is a daily reality for LGBTQ communities, and it continues to be important to speak out against transphobia, biphobia and homophobia. On this day, let us together affirm the human rights of all, including LGBTQ community members, their loved ones and allies. Let us take a stand against heterosexism, discrimination and narrow views about gender that negatively impact LGBTQ community members and their loved ones. Often, our very existence is made invisible by assumptions about what partnership, family and gender are. Most of us are afraid to come out at least in some situations, while others are never able to truly come out due to safety issues. At times when we do come out, we experience a subtle or negative shift in the way we are treated. Stereotypes about what it means to be LGBTQ also negatively impact us; sometimes we are ‘too queer’ and at other times ‘not queer enough’. Many experience outright violence and exclusion. By coming together, we can open minds and fight ignorance, while building community and supporting one another.

On this occasion, The Well salutes the bravery and hard-work of those who came before us, on whose shoulders we stand today. Without the sacrifice and courage of generations of LGBTQ community members and allies, the rights we enjoy today would not have been possible. On May 17, join us to celebrate our achievements and to continue the important work to end discrimination. We have come so far, and still have far to go!

To register for the Open Mic or for further details:
layla@thewellhamilton.ca
905-525-0300

Thursday, May 3 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Homegrown Hamilton Cafe, 27 King William Street
(Between James & Hughson) – Venue is wheelchair accessible

*Free Refreshments Available. Bus Tickets Provided Upon Request.*

Join us for Coffee Night at The Well! Coffee Night is a place to meet friendly folks in a relaxed atmosphere, play cards or chat about what’s going on in Hamilton and beyond, and catch up with volunteers and staff on what’s been happening at The Well. All are welcome to enjoy this LGBTQ positive space.

Coffee Night takes place on the first and third Thursday of every month at the same time.

Contact:
layla@thewellhamilton.ca
(905)525-0300

Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00pm
Jamesville Community Centre, 209 MacNab Street North
(Between Colbourne & Mulberry) – Venue Is Wheelchair Accessible

The Hamilton Womyn’s Bike Collective (HWBC) is welcoming new members. HWBC a collective striving to create safe and inviting spaces for women, trans, and genderqueer cyclists. Anyone who might be interested in being a part of the collective is welcome to attend this volunteer orientation for an opportunity to learn more about the collective, why it exists, and the different ways you to get involved. No previous bicycle experience needed to be a part of this collective.

For further information:
womynsbikefixin@gmail.com
hamiltonwomynsbikecrew.tumblr.com

Thursday, April 19 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Homegrown Hamilton Cafe, 27 King William Street
(Between James & Hughson) – Venue is wheelchair accessible

*Free Refreshments Available. Bus Tickets Provided Upon Request.*

Join us for Coffee Night at The Well! Coffee Night is a place to meet friendly folks in a relaxed atmosphere, play cards or chat about what’s going on in Hamilton and beyond, and catch up with volunteers and staff on what’s been happening at The Well. All are welcome to enjoy this LGBTQ positive space.

Coffee Night takes place on the first and third Thursday of every month at the same time and location.

Contact:
layla@thewellhamilton.ca
(905)525-0300

Wednesday, April 18  from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Lower Auditorium, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Education Centre
100 Main Street West, Hamilton
(Corner of Main & Bay) – Venue is wheelchair accessible

* Snacks provided. Bus tickets available upon request. *

Are you a parent/caregiver of a teenager (ages 13-18) who attends high school within the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board?

Is your teenager experiencing challenges at school due to gender identity issues?

Are you interested in connecting with other parents/caregivers who share similar concerns?

The LGBTQ Community Wellness Centre of Hamilton (The Well) and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board are hosting an information session to hear your concerns, offer an opportunity to connect with other parents, and provide you with information and community resources for supporting your teenager.

The session will be facilitated by:

• Will Rowe, MSW, Trans Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator at The Well;
• Gail Belisario, Principal of Equity, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board; and
• Dr. Carys Massarella, Trans Health Care Clinic, Quest Community Health Centre, St. Catherines

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Will Rowe at:
(905)570-2932
transpeersupport@gmail.com

Thursday, April 12 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Westdale Public Library Community Room, 955 King Street West
Free parking in the lot beside the library – Venue is wheelchair accessible

• Facilitated peer support through discussions on topics relevant to parents and caregivers of LGBTQ-identified individuals
• An opportunity to ask questions, learn and educate others on relevant issues in a non-judgemental environment
• Access to a safe space for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ-identified individuals to meet, talk, and support one another

Please note: This is a confidential space. All participants are to maintain the confidentiality of those in attendance.

Need further information? Cannot attend but would like to learn about other programs for parents and caregivers?

Contact:
layla@thewellhamilton.ca
(905)525-0300

Saturday, April 21

Tournament: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Splitsville Entertainment Centre, 1525 Stone Church Road East

Banquet: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
The Werx, 121 Hughson Street North

For pricing and registration information: www.ghbowling.ca 

The Golden Horseshoe Bowling League invites you to its Hamilton Invitational No-tap Tournament (H.I.N.T.) and Dinner & Awards Banquet. The dall-day program will be taking place on Saturday, April 21. All proceeds go to The LGBTQ Community Wellness Centre of Hamilton (The Well).

Contact:
ghblbowling@gmail.com
www.ghbowling.ca