The Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife is expanding its programming to include adult members of the LGBTQ community.
The organization opened its Rainbow Youth Centre back in August as a safe space for queer and trans youth in the city. Programming often touches on the themes of identity, sexuality, gender and expression.
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But now, thanks to some government funding, the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife is widening its scope.
“[We] discovered that there [are] a number of queer and trans adults in Yellowknife who [are] frustrated and concerned about the lack of programming for adults,” read a statement issued by the group.
“Although the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife is an organization that is both governed by and focused on youth, the organization is honoured to be beginning to provide support to adults in the new year.”
Three GNWT departments have provided funding for the expanded programming, including Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services and Education, Culture and Employment.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the request for support, not only from youth, but from clients who fall outside of our original perceived base,” said Jacq Brasseur, executive director of the Yellowknife-based group.
“We’ve had to explore options for how to better support queer people over the age of 20.”
The Rainbow Youth Centre is open from 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment on weekends.
With the group’s expanded programming, queer and trans people over the age of 19 can now attend weekly support groups on Thursday nights at the centre on 52 Street.
A handful of other programs are also available. To learn more, click here.
