Rainbow Connections Launches Hub by Peri Hayes As Rainbow Connections celebrated the recent launch of their Hub, Amanda Zavitz beams: “I envision Rainbow Connections to be a safe space community hub for queer, questioning and trans youth in rural SW Ontario -- a place they can be themselves and call their own.” Amanda reflects on their grand opening, which took place last month: “We were thrilled to welcome more than 40 community members into our new space to celebrate this exciting milestone. The energy in the room reflected exactly what Rainbow Connections aims to foster: belonging, understanding, celebration and intergenerational support.” Following their opening celebration, they hosted a Queer Elders Panel with three presenters offering perspective toward their lived experiences. “Their insights shared with local youth created a powerful bridge between generations -- highlighting the importance of remembering where we’ve come from, while uplifting the voices and realities of young 2SLGBTQIA+ people today.” Funded by United Way Elgin-Middlesex, Rainbow Connections is a program of the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario. Amanda announces, “In St. Thomas, we currently host QQ (Queer Qlub) every Tuesday; a weekly gathering designed for youth to connect, build friendships and access affirming support.” They also facilitate Young Adult Queer Night on a monthly basis, along with a social space for queer adults. “As part of our commitment to reaching youth across the region, we have been actively connecting with communities surrounding St. Thomas -- with the goal of expanding Rainbow Connections Hubs throughout rural SW Ontario. To ensure
accessibility and privacy, we have also developed a Discord channel; providing youth with a safe, anonymous way to find community and engage with our programming.” As Devon Church cheerfully introduces: “Most folks know me as a Registered Nurse, psychotherapist, community consultant, and human glitter bomb of queer optimism.” Painting an inviting picture, Devon details, “Rainbow Connections grew out of a collective ache and hope for rural queers. I’m envisioning Rainbow Connections as the queer living room we all deserved growing up; a place where your shoulders drop the second you walk in and no one asks you to justify your pronouns or your haircut choices. It’s soft, it’s sturdy, it’s community care with snacks.” Rainbow Connections is cultivating opportunity in the com- munity -- for conversation, connection and empowerment. Amanda passionately conveys, “Facilitating this Hub means being part of something deeply meaningful: creating a space where queer, questioning and trans youth feel seen, supported A cleaner home is the best New Year’s resolution you’ll actually keep!
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Page 26 Hometown St. Thomas • Jan-Feb 2026
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