Gender Affirming Care Power Point Presentation by Trans Health Klinic
Please find a link to the power point presentation from our last educational event presented by Trans Health Klinic.
EDUCATIONAL EVENT: May 11th
Viewing Party: STAY ON BOARD – The Leo Baker Story
NO SPACE FOR HATE – Counter Protest TODAY!!
Mark your calendars! NOV. 4th – ACTIVE ALLYSHIP – Acceptance to Advocacy
DRAG BRUNCH – Help Steinbach United create a positive presence
Join us May 27th for ART & STORY!
We are excited to offer a guided visual art lesson of mindful drawing techniques paired with an all ages story time featuring stories of inclusion.
Fireside Room at Pat Porter Active Living Centre
Narrow Bridge
Narrow Bridge is a moving and engaging story told with heart and humour. The main character, Sholem, transitions genders while discovering Orthodox Judaism. Walking the tightrope of family dynamics, history, activism and Talmud study, Sholem wonders if, as Rebbe Nachman said, “All the world is a very narrow bridge.” Featuring Elio Zarrillo, Alissa Watson, and Rhea Akler in their WJT premiere, and long-time WJT favourite Harry Nelken, directed by Drag Heals creator Tracey Erin Smith.
Sold Out Drag Bunch in Morden
It was a sold-out Y2K Drag Show in Morden on Saturday. Hosted by the Pembina Hills Art Council (PHAC), the show was originally scheduled to take place at the PHAC building in the clock tower, but it sold out in minutes, leading organizers to move the event to a larger location, the Morden United Church.
“HEARTSTOPPER” Viewing Party THURSDAY, MARCH 2nd
JOIN US THURSDAY, MARCH 2nd
Doors open at 7:00
Show starts 7:15, over at 9:30
FIRESIDE ROOM – PAT PORTER ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE
10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach MB
Transgender and Gender Diverse Presentation
Please find attached the .PDF presentation that accompanied our event “Exploring Trans Experiences”. TGD Talk
Quilt Steinbach
Join us this Saturday at 10!
Band of Colours and Rainbow Resource Workshop Oct. 29th
Band Of Colours and Rainbow Resource is Now Open!!
Monkey Pox Explainer
Click below to see the attached Monkey Pox resource.
Monkey Pox Explainer
Southern Health Monkey Pox Vaccine Notice
Monkey Pox Vaccine
For PrEP – Pre Exposure Prophylaxis
If you think you may be at risk of being exposed to Monkey Pox Imvamune® vaccine is being made available to individuals at risk.
Risks May include:
- Individuals who are a close contact to someone with monkeypox.
- have received a diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and or syphilis in the past two months;
- have had two or more sexual partners in the last 21 days;
- have attended locations for sexual contact (e.g. bath houses or sex clubs) or are
planning to;
- have had anonymous sex in the past 21 days or are planning to; or
- engage in sex work or plan to, either as a worker or a client
- gbMSM gay, bisexual & Men whom have sex with menThe vaccine will be available in Steinbach starting on August 19, 2022
Walk-in and by appointments.
August 19, 2022: 1:30pm-230pm @ 365 Reimer 3rd floor.
August 25, 2022: 3:30pm-500pm @ Steinbach Community Outreach 345 Loewen Blvd.
To Book an appointment at either above site or a private confidential appt before September 2, 2022.
1) Call Public Health in Steinbach 204-905-0090
2) Book online: https://patient.petal-health.com/login?groupId=6032
To book an appt in Winnipeg call Health Links @ 1-888-315-9257 or visit: https://patient.petal-health.com/login?groupId=6032
Rainbow Resource Centre’s Planning With Pride
This November, join host, Ashley Smith, for Rainbow Resource Centre’s Planning With Pride: a three-day, national, virtual conference that will give 2SLGBTQ+ older adults and those who support them everything needed to prepare for later life. Give yourself peace of mind, start planning with pride.
City of Steinbach Pride Flag Raising Request
Please see attached a Pride Flag raising request written by our member, Dr. Darren Reimer, to the City of Steinbach. If you are so inclined, join us by sending in your own request.
LGBTQ Booklist for the Jake Epp Library
Please find attached a LGBTQ Booklist generated by the Jake Epp Library that details Titles, Author, Call No, and Genre.
MPs embrace after bill to ban conversion therapy passes unanimously in House
B.C. author says being gay and Christian is OK
Stacey Chomiak’s queer, illustrated, young-adult memoir ‘Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming-of-Age Story’ is being released on Oct. 19, 2021. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Stacey Chomiak’s memoir aimed at LGBTQ youth makes peace with faith community and queer community.
© 2021, Nanaimo News Bulletin and Black Press Group Ltd.
Happy PRIDE MONTH!
We at Steinbach Neighbours for Community wish you all a happy, safe and healthy PRIDE MONTH! Celebrate your uniqueness! We love you.
For virtual Pride Month events check out: https://pridewinnipeg.com/
Steinbach United has become an Affirming Ministry!
Steinbach United Church is a community of faith that actively supports justice and inclusion and began 8 years ago on an Affirming journey. Together we listened, studied, shared stories, faced challenges and updated policies.
On March 14th they celebrated becoming an Affirming Ministry within The United Church of Canada! If you would like to view the service it can be found on their website: http://steinbachunitedchurch.ca/ministers-message.
Queer Commerce
Claiming our rights as a transgender family
By Amanda Jetté Knox
Read Article Here
“I am a girl trapped in a boy’s body,” our then 11‐year‐old explained in a heartfelt letter to me and my spouse. Our middle child had typed the message just moments ago from the bedroom across the hall. “More than anything, I need to be a girl. Please help me.”
October 2020 – Bill C-6: Federal Conversion Therapy Ban is approved and sent to committee.
Members of Parliament voted 308-7 in favour of inclusion and diversity in Canada when they passed Bill C-6 which would criminalize conversion therapy. The bill is now before a committee and amendments may be brought forward before a third and final reading in the House.
What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy involves various practices that attempt to change an individuals’ sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Bill C-6 proposes legislative amendments to the Criminal Code.
The legislation recommends five new Criminal Code offences related to conversion therapy. These include:
- causing a minor to undergo conversion therapy
- removing a minor from Canada to undergo conversion therapy abroad
- causing a person to undergo conversion therapy against their will
- profiting from providing conversion therapy
- advertising an offer to provide conversion therapy.
Many Canadian professional associations such as the Canadian Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychiatric Association and the Canadian Pediatric Association state that the practice of conversion therapy is harmful to LGBTQ2S persons, especially minors. Conversion therapy is centered on the false idea that any sexual orientation other than heterosexuality and any gender identity other than cisgender, is not normal or is an illness that can and should be changed. Conversion therapy is not only ineffective, it has devastating effects for those undergoing this therapy such as anxiety, depression, stigma, self-hatred and suicidal thoughts and suicide.
All Liberal, Bloc Quebecois, New Democrat, Green and independent MPs who took part in the vote supported the bill. 7 Conservative MPs including Ted Falk, MP for Provencher, voted against the bill. In an article on Steinbach Online on Nov.18, 2020, Mr. Falk said that the topic of conversion therapy is one that generates more correspondence from his constituents than any other issue. He suggested that an overwhelming majority of those who contact his office in regards to this bill also feel that the bill is flawed. Steinbach Neighbours received a copy of a letter written by a mother from the Provencher constituency that was sent to Mr. Falk in support of Bill C-6. Permission to share this powerful letter of advocacy and support for LGBTQ2S individuals has been given and the letter appears below (names have been removed to protect privacy).
In the midst of a pandemic when it is more difficult to gather in support of shared causes, we must remain vigilant and follow the progression of this Bill C-6 to ensure that it does become law this time around. We ask other allies in the Provencher riding who wish to express their support for Bill C-6 to contact Mr. Ted Falk using the information below.
Ted Falk, MP
76 PTH 12 N
Steinbach, MB
R5G 1T4
Tel: (204) 326-9889
Toll free 1 866 333-1933
Fax: 204 346-9874
ted.falk.c1@parl.gc.ca
It is the hope of Steinbach Neighbours for Community that Bill C-6 will ultimately be proclaimed, ensuring that all Canadians can live safely and freely as their true authentic selves. Canada is stronger when it recognizes, protects and celebrates diversity.
________________________________________________________
Letter written by a mother from the Provencher constituency
sent to Mr. Falk in support of Bill C-6
Rainbow Harmony Project Virtual Concert on November 28th
Court ruling allows both members of Manitoba LGBTQ2s+ couples to be legally recognized as parents
How teens made Yukon one of the few places in Canada to ban conversion therapy
Generous Spaces Fall Virtual Retreat
Books that Encourage Empathy and Inclusivity
Below is a list of books that encourage empathy and inclusivity. Click the book title to link to a site where you can purchase it.
- The Big Orange Splot – Daniel Manus Pinkwater
- Suki’s Kimono – Chiere Uegaki and Stephanie Jorisch
- Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress – Christine Baldacchino
- The Family Book – Todd Parr
- The Sissy Duckling – Harvey Fierstein
- All Families Are Special – Norma Simon
- Have You Filled a Bucket Today? – Carol McCloud
- How Full is Your Bucket?( for kids) – Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
- Pink is For Boys – Robb Pearlman
- The Crayon Box that Talked – Shane DeRolf
- Red: A Crayon’s Story – Michael Hall
- Bear For Breakfast – Robert Munsch
- All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold
- Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag – Rob Sanders
- Julian Is A Mermaid – Jessica Love
- The Whispers – Greg Howard
- I Am Jazz – Jessica Herthel
- Jacob’s New Dress – Ian Hoffman and Sarah Hoffman
- Families, Families, Families! – Suzanne Lang
- The Great Big Book of Families – Mary Hoffman
- Ruby, Head High – Irene Cohen-Janca
- Hair Love – Matthew A. Cherry
- We’re Different, We’re the Same But We’re All Wonderful – Bobbi Jane Kates
- One Family – George Shannon
- Who’s In My Family – Robie H. Harris
- Love Makes A Family – Sophie Beer
- The Water Walker – Joanne Robertson
- Stone Soup – Marcia Brown
- Sammy’s Visit – Val Plett Reimer
- This Is How It Always Is – Laurie Frankel
- And Tango Makes Three – Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
- I Need A Hug – Susie Linn
- The Colour of Us – Karen Katz
- Hedgehog Goes to Kindergarten – Lynne Marie
- Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees
- We All Sing With the Same Voice – J. Philip Miller + Sheppard M Greene
- A Family is a Family – Sara O’Learya
Growing Up Inclusive
Saturday, January 25, 2020, 10 am -2 pm
Steinbach Curling Club357 Elmdale Street 2nd Floor (Accessible)
We are excited to invite you to:
Connecting Neighbours: GROWING UP INCLUSIVE
RAISING INCLUSIVE KIDS – MaryLou Driedger
How do we help our children develop inclusive attitudes so they can play a vital role in the creation of caring communities where everyone feels welcome?
GROWING UP SAFE AND STRONG – Val Hiebert
An examination of Erikson’s classic psycho-social theory of child development applied to our everyday lives as parents, communities, and our own childhood histories.
• Free Admission
• Lunch is included
• Conversation circles
For further information contact Val Hiebert at:
val.hiebert@prov.ca or 433-7488 (ext. 204) or 379-9652.
Devout & Out
Friday, November 1, 2019, 7 pm
Roadhouse 52 Inn & Suites, 375 N Front Dr. B, Steinbach.
Steinbach Neighbours for Community invites you to join them in viewing the CBC documentary series, Devout & Out.
This series introduces us to LGBTTQI* individuals who have chosen to become or remain leaders in the church. Each episode follows one person, documenting their journey as they navigate their sexuality, identity and faith, as well as their relationship with their churches and with God. These individuals are pushing boundaries, breaking barriers and challenging secular and religious expectations of what it means to live faithfully today.
Following each documentary there will be time to discuss what we have seen and heard. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with refreshments. The first documentary will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Conversation circles will follow each video. Free Admission. For further information contact Val Hiebert at val.hiebert@prov.ca or 433-7488 (ext. 204) or 379-9652.
Queer Hutterite: Misfit on the Colony
The following story is not “new news”, but one that SNFC feels is important to highlight and share. Kelly Hofer is a photographer and gay-rights activist based in Calgary. Here is his story:
Kelly Hofer knew he wasn’t a fit from the start. At the age of nineteen he came out on Facebook, after leaving the Hutterite colony near Wawanesa, Manitoba, the only home he had ever known. The reaction by his people was extreme. Hear him tell his story in the video, Queer Hutterite: Misfit on the Colony.
Connecting Neighbours: Journey to Authentic Self
You are invited to join SNFC and friends for conversation and information-sharing in an event that includes a panel discussion with people who have been on a personal journey to authentic self. We welcome Katelyn Dykstra as guest speaker. Dr. Dykstra teaches in the Women’s and Gender Studies Department at the University of Manitoba, and is the project manager for genderplay workshops in Winnipeg, Brandon, and Thompson. She lives in Steinbach with her partner and two children, where she also facilitates a book club.
Please note the details on the poster, share, and mark your calendar for
Saturday, February 23, 10 am – 2:30 pm
Pat Porter Centre
10 Chrysler Drive, Steinbach
Circle of Trust for Parents
The Parent Circle meets every second Wednesday of the month at Steinbach United Church, 541 Main St. from 7-9 p.m.
Steinbach Neighbours for Community invites parents of LGBTTQI* children and youth to a space of discovery, parent to parent, about our journey in our community. We look forward to our conversations, guided by Bonnie Loewen.
SNFC in the Summer
Steinbach Neighbours for Community continues to invite parents of LGBTTQI children and youth to network with us through the summer months. Our members are happy to sit down with other parents, one-on-one, to listen and to share. Please feel free to contact us personally:
Leona Woodmass – lwoodmass@gmail.com
Randy Hildebrand – randyhildebrand@mymts.net
Doug Klassen – dougexpress@me.com
Bonnie Loewen – bonnieloewen@gmail.com
Circle of Trust will reconvene with a new schedule in the fall season. Read more about this group here.
A Remarkable Story of a Mother and Son
Cindy Mills and her son, Ro Walker Mills, sat down with Bridget Forbes of CBC news to publicly tell their story for the first time. Ro identifies as a transgender male. Their honest account of what they both endured during those two years will stay with you. Read the interview here.
Bisexual Pastor Creates Space for Believers
“It took a many-year journey before Jamie Arpin-Ricci learned to reconcile his faith with his sexuality, largely because of social pressures he says still exist today in many conservative churches that alienate LGBTQ Christians like him.”
Arpin-Ricci is bisexual and leads Little Flowers Community, an Anabaptist, Franciscan-inspired church in the West End. His story appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press this week. You can read it here.
Connecting Neighbours
Saturday, February 24, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Pat Porter Centre, 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach
Five presenters have been invited to share their knowledge and experience, as we explore a variety of topics relevant to our community. The session topics include reading biblical texts in a new light, scientific research, intersex realities, stories from the transgender community and more. Each presentation will be followed by a conversation circle. There will be all-day refreshments and lunch at noon. Admission is free, and donations to cover costs are welcome. We hope to see you there!
The Spectrum of Sexuality
Val Hiebert is well-known to those who follow Steinbach Neighbours for Community. She is Professor of Sociology at Providence University College, and specializes in the sociology of gender, marriage and family, children and violence, consumer culture and simpler living. Val will walk us through a discourse on intersex people, born with ambiguous genitals. Read the full description in the handout below.
Animal Attractions
Dr. Heather Hinam, a naturalist and an award-winning artist and photographer, will open our eyes to the evolution of sexual behaviour and adaptations for mating and same-sex encounters in the animal world. A fascinating topic, to be sure!
LGBT2SQ+ Awareness
Besides his work at the Rainbow Resource Centre, Muhammed Ahsan has facilitated leadership retreats and conferences throughout North America and the European Union, promoting cultural awareness about sexual identity, and focusing on a wide variety of learning interventions and policy-consulting assignments. He delivers his sessions with a contagious exuberance and energy that leave his listeners enthused for positive change.
A Place at the Table
They are Kalyn Falk and Ro Walker Mills are leading a session together, and theirs is a powerful story of friendship that grew out of learning from each other, creating space for each other, and ultimately becoming co-founders and co-directors of a social enterprise for transmen.
Bible Reception Without Borders
Please join us on Feb. 24th to hear Randall Holm, our first presenter at Connecting Neighbours. Click on the poster below to read more on this session.
In A Heartbeat
An Invitation to Donate
As December arrives, Steinbach Neighbours for Community is offering its followers an opportunity to add us to your “Giving Season”. As a non-profit organization that receives no funding for projects and operating expenses, your highly valued donation allows us to continue and enhance our current programs within our community and beyond. Please go to our Donate page for more information. We thank you for your support.
Hanover School Division and Gender Diversity
HSD Superintendent Randy Dueck says a new document released by Manitoba Education will help the Hanover School Division going forward, as it looks at continuing to provide support for transgender and gender diverse students.
Read the article here.
The Gender Revolution
How Science Is Helping Us Understand Gender
In January 2017, National Geographic published a special, single-topic issue on the shifting landscape of gender. In their words, “To a degree unimaginable a decade ago, the intensely personal subject of gender identity has entered the public square. In this special issue of the magazine, we look at cultural, social, biological and personal aspects of gender.”
Click on the link to read the articles.
Erica Lea to Become First Openly LGBTQ Lead Pastor of Mennonite Church USA
Take this link to a news release introducing Erica Lea and the church in which she has been called to be a pastor. Following her studies at George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Texas, she served as interim pastor at Houston Mennonite Church, and it’s here that she developed a deep appreciation of Anabaptist theology and history. Erica Lea is the first openly LGBTQ individual to be called as a solo pastor in Mennonite Church USA.
https://sojo.net/articles/erica-lea-become-first-openly-lgbtq-lead-pastor-mennonite-church-usa
Prayers for Bobby
Friday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, 304-2nd St.
Free Admission
Steinbach Neighbours for Community invites you to a movie night. Prayers for Bobby is a true story. Mary Griffith fights to “cure” her gay son. Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, ultimately changing her views in ways that she never could have imagined. A touching and ultimately healing story.
Join us for an opportunity to reflect and engage in conversation as this movie invites us to take a deeper look at a family divided and how they find strength and truth. For more information, contact neighboursforcommunity@gmail.com.
Laughter is Sacred Space
Friday, May 12, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Steinbach Regional Secondary School Theatre
Steinbach Neighbours for Community, in partnership with Eden Health Care Services, welcomes the return of Ted Swartz, who brought us Listening for Grace two years ago. Laughter is Sacred Space is part of Ted’s Human Faces Tour, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness month.
In this gritty and dramatic show, Ted walks us through his relationship with friend and business partner, Lee Eshleman, whose death by suicide stunned his community. Ted explores the paradox of working with a comedic partner struggling with bipolar disorder, as well as the challenge of writing and performing stories about God while experiencing the absence of God after Lee’s death.
Using multi-media and his twenty years of storytelling experience, Laughter is Sacred Space is honest, funny and vulnerable, and reveals the unique journey of working as a comedic actor under the shadow of a mental illness, offering hope and humour in a way that only Ted could deliver.
You can learn more about Ted Swartz and find a preview of the play at: http://www.tedandcompany.com/shows/laughter-is-sacred-space/
Tickets $12, available now at the Steinbach Arts Centre.
Still Listening…Let’s Talk!
Steinbach Neighbours for Community invites you to an informal evening of conversation on February 9, 2017, 7 p.m. at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, 302 Second St.
We continue to follow up on the interest generated by Still Listening, aware that safe and meaningful conversation is a goal highly appreciated in our community. We hope that the relaxed atmosphere and the promise of wholesome dialogue will encourage you to join us. There will be snacks 🙂
Steinbach Neighbours will soon be launching a Parents of LGBTTQI* network group. Stay tuned for details about this exciting new chapter!