Who We Are and What We Do
For Us, By Us
speqtrum is a program of YWCA Hamilton that is youth-founded and youth-oriented. speqtrum focuses on skill-sharing and community building for the Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community in Hamilton, ON.
We aim to build community by offering a variety of programs and supports. We provide online one-on-one support through weekly Check-Ins, where speqtrum team members support participants through various situations 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 Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ folks.​
Mission and Mandate
Recognizing the need for Two Spirit and 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 Two Spirit and 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 Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ youth will form and maintain healthy, close relationships with their peers and community.
Meet the Team
Noura
Pronouns: She/Her
Role: Two Spirit and 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.
Kat
Pronouns: She/Her
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Role: speqtrum Coordinator
Loves: Art, room decor, listening to music, plants, hiking, baking
Work Interests: Facilitating welcoming environments and services that encourage people to come as they are. Working to create spaces that foster community and a sense belonging.