What is the Rainbow youth centre?
The Rainbow Youth Centre is a space for 2SLGBTQIPA+ and questioning children and youth and allies to come together for recreation, support and arts-based programs. We officially opened the Centre on August 22nd, 2016 as a safer hang-out space and started regular programming in September 2016.
In the past we primarily focused on supporting youth 30 and under. We’ve since opened a second space for people over 19 called the Adult Programs + Services Centre . In the Rainbow Youth Centre, we’re offering programs and services for youth under 19, including families, those who are questioning their identity, and people who are looking to learn more.
We also encourage Child & Youth Care Counsellors, teachers, community organizations and more to directly connect youth with our services. We welcome adults and friends of 2SLGBTQIPA+ and questioning youth to come along for support and we often host private tours for new youth to get comfortable in the space before meeting the other youth who come to our space.
Please note we’ve slightly modified our program schedule because of our small staff team, so some of the programs you’re used to seeing may not be available for the remainder of 2023. Scroll down to see a breakdown of our programming! If you have any questions, please contact us at programs@northernmosaic.net.
WHAT IS THE ADULT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES CENTRE?
The Adult Programs & Services Centre was opened in February 2023 in response to adults 19 years and older expressing their need to have their own programming space. Since opening, we’ve established a wonderful group of volunteers who help keep this space running! Everyone, regardless of orientation or gender, is welcome at our programs (unless specified in the program description). Please note we’ve slightly modified our program schedule because of our small staff team, so some of the programs you’re used to seeing may not be available for the remainder of 2023. Scroll down to see a breakdown of our 19+ programming! If you have any questions, please contact us at programs@northernmosaic.net.
Hours of Operation:
Drop-In
Tuesdays from 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Youth Programming
Wednesday & Thursday:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Adult 19+ Programming
Tuesday - Thursday:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Children & Family Programming
Parenting in Full Colour (monthly)
Monday:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Little Rainbows (biweekly)
Sunday:
9:00am - 11:00pm
Building Location:
#223-5112 52nd Street
Good Company Building
(the old UNW Building)
Yellowknife, NT
X1A 1T6
What We Offer:
Wi-Fi
Rainbow Library
Take-home resources
Computer and printer access
Video games and board games
Free food and snacks
Free art supplies
Support
youth PROGRAMS (12-18 years old)
Drop-in
Play games, work on homework, connect with other youth, and just hang out! Drop-in can be whatever you want it to be - but it’s mostly a space to just be in a safer space. Snacks, art supplies, getting support, etc. are all accessible during this program.
Gender+
Gender+ is a space for transgender (trans), non-binary, gender non-conforming and questioning people to talk about issues related to all things gender and identity. Talk about dysphoria, gender-affirming clothing, pronouns, and who your favourite trans icon is! This group is closed to cisgender (and not questioning) people, unless you are coming to support someone else.
Currently seeking a key facilitator for this program!
Bi+/pan+
Bi+/Pan+ is a space for bisexual, pansexual and polysexual (and questioning) youth to get support around their identity. Our facilitator often plans fun activities like jam nights, tarot readings and craft nights!
Key Facilitator: Johanna
game Night
Once a month we break out our competitive streak & play board games and video games! Skip-Bo is a favourite, but there are many options to choose from. Snacks always available, anyone regardless of identity is welcome.
art Night
Bust out your easel, paintbrushes and…glue guns? It’s art night, meaning no medium is off the table and all of our supplies are yours to use! You’re also welcome to bring your own projects and work on them with company.
ace/aro space
Ace/Aro Space is a program for youth who identify on the asexual or aromantic spectrum, or are questioning their identity to get support, connect to community, and just celebrate being who you are!
Key Facilitator: Amanda
ADULT PROGRAMS (19+ YEARS OLD)
ACE/ARO SPACE
Ace/Aro Space is a program for people who identify on the asexual or aromantic spectrum, or are questioning their identity to get support, connect to community, and just celebrate being who you are!
Key Facilitator: Amanda
book club
Once a month we meet and either discuss the book we’re currently reading, or grab a new book! We provide the books and facilitate.
Key Facilitator: Andrea
NON-BINARY & GENDERFLUID
A support and discussion group for anyone within the non-binary, genderfluid and/or genderqueer umbrella, as well as a space for those who are seeking to affirm, explore or question a non-binary, genderfluid, etc. gender identity.
Key Facilitator: Bria
TRANS MEN & MASCS
A support and discussion group for anyone within the trans man or trans-masculine umbrella, as well as a space for those who are seeking to affirm, explore or question a masculine gender identity. Creating a safe space for positive and healthy expressions of masculinity.
Key Facilitator: Bria
BI+/PAN+
Bi+/Pan+ is a space for bisexual, pansexual and polysexual (and questioning) people to get support around their identity. Bi, Pan and Polysexual people make up the biggest demographic in the 2SLGBTQIPA+ community - so we know how valuable this space is!
Key Facilitator: Johanna
STITCH & BITCH
An art program to bring existing projects and work on them, and, of course, “bitch”. Snacks provided, tea is piping hot.
Key Facilitator: Shylo
TRANS WOMEN & FEMMES
A support and discussion group for anyone within the trans women or trans-feminine umbrella, as well as a space for those who are seeking to affirm, explore or question a feminine gender identity.
Key facilitator: Shylo
TRANS ID CLINIC
We have skilled and informed volunteers to help you fill out those pesky name change and gender marker change forms. We also can provide financial support to cover those costs!
Key Facilitator: Shylo
COFFEE DATE
Our coffee dates are often a social gathering to meet like-minded folks and talk about anything we want! Often hosted at a local coffee shop, but can be hosted at the centre as well. The location is in event info and on social media.
Key Facilitator: Andrea
children under 12 + family PROGRAMS
parenting in full colour
Parenting in Full colour is a monthly meet up for queer parents and parents of queer kids. The goal of this group is to create a welcoming space to meet and learn from other parents and grow your family's support network.
little rainbows
A biweekly, free, inclusive playgroup for children under 10. This is a space where parents/caregivers and kids of all identities can come together, play, and connect! You or your child do not need to be 2SLGBTQIPA+ to attend, however, we ask that everyone who attends is kind, respectful and open to learning.
The location for this program varies, so please check our social media to confirm each session’s location. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
frequently asked questions
do i need to register to attend?
All of our regular programs are designed to be drop-in style. When we have special events or workshops facilitated by folx in the community that have limited spaces, we will give instructions on how to save a spot for you (and a friend!) to attend, as well as ages welcome to sign up.
Do me or my child need to be 2SLGBTQIPA+ to attend?
No! All of our programs, unless specified, are open to anyone who is questioning their identity, or considers themselves an ally.
what else do you offer?
The Rainbow Centre has a partnership with Food Rescue, meaning we get weekly deliveries of snacks and other food items that anyone is welcome to have. We also have free Wi-Fi, board games and video games, school supplies, a rainbow library, gender affirming supplies, and a phone to call home in case of emergencies
WHERE DO PROGRAMS HAPPEN?
All programs and events happen at the Rainbow Centre at 5112 52nd Street. If a program or event is happening elsewhere in the city, there will be info in the event description (found on social media or our monthly program calendar).
WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
The Rainbow Centre does not require you to use your legal name when signing in for programming. We collect data of ages and other related program statistics, but do not collect names, genders, contact information or other confidential information. Our volunteers and staff sign a confidentiality policy, and we will also not disclose whether you attend programs or not at the Rainbow Centre without your consent.
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
Curious about volunteering, hosting a workshop, planning an event or something else? Send an email to programs@northernmosaic.net to get in touch with our Program Coordinator!