Rainbow Connections Social Groups
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Queer Qlub (QQ)
Queer Qlub is a 2SLGBTQIA+ social group for youth aged 12 to 18. It takes place on the first, second, and third Tuesday of the month from 6-8 PM. We currently meet in Downtown St Thomas.
Join us for fun night of getting together with friends, eating some snacks, and having a great time. In the past, Queer Qlub has enjoyed themed nights (like Ren Faire and Science Night,) entertaining activities (like bleach t-shirt and craft night,) and classic stand-bys like movie and game nights.
Register now to find out the location.
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Young Adult Social (YAS)
Young Adult Social (YAS) is a 2SLGBTQIA+ social group for young adults aged 18 to 30. It takes place on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8 PM. We currently meet in Downtown St Thomas.
This casual social group for young adults is an excellent way to socialize with peers and meet new people. There’s an activity planned for each month, but feel free to bring an art or crafting project to work on or a game to share!
Register now to find out the location.
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Queer Adult Social (QAS)
Queer Adult Social (QAS) is a 2SLGBTQIA+ social group for adults aged 18+. It takes place on the second Thursday of the month at 53 Hiawatha Street, St Thomas from 6-8 PM.
QAS is less formal and structured than our youth groups - just show up with a desire to spend some time with some amazing people! You are welcome to bring a craft or art project to work on, a game to share, or just bring yourself. We can’t wait for you to join us!
Queer Halloween
Get ready for a spooky night of costumes, dancing, and fun!
Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario (GECO) and Rainbow Connections present Queer Halloween - a free, all-ages (12+ and Adults) event.
Join us for pumpkin carving, costume contests for individuals and groups, dancing, and more! Registration required for this free event. Soft drinks and snacks provided.
This is a sober/substance free event.
Community Christmas Tree Spectacular
Rainbow Connections is getting into the holiday spirit! We've sponsored a Christmas Tree for the Community Christmas Tree Spectacular. It's been decorated with help from members of our Queer Qlub 2SLGBTQIA+ youth group. If you spot our rainbow tree, be sure to post a photo and tag us: Instagram & Facebook @rainbowconnectionsgeco
Celebrate the holidays with dazzling lights, festive activities, and family traditions at Elgin County Railway Museum’s Community Christmas Tree Spectacular. Admission by donation.
Location:
Elgin County Railway Museum | 225 Wellington Street, St Thomas, ON
Details:
November 14 to December 28 | Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Trans Day of Remembrance
Venue: St Thomas Public Library, Carnegie Room, 153 Curtis St, St Thomas
Join us for a quiet evening of community and reflection. This year Rainbow Connections is honored to provide a space on Trans Day of Remembrance for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks to gather and support each other. The evening will include light refreshments, time to mingle and chat with other community members, and a screening of Disclosure. (Movie contains mature/triggering themes - view discretion is advised.)
Free event; no registration required
Speakers' Series #3: Queer Elders
Speakers’ Series #3
Queer Elders
Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is excited to present the third Speaker's Series on Wednesday, December 3. This month’s topic is "Queer Elders" and features 3 speakers. This is a free, in-person event at the CASO Station in St Thomas. Don’t miss out on some unique insight.
Event Details:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM
CASO Station | 750 Talbot Street, St Thomas, ON
Speaker Line-up:
Neil Hubert Currently I am a Board member at the St Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre and an enthusiastic volunteer at Harvest Hands. I am on the Executive and Planning Committees for Elgin County Pride and Queer Prom.
I am a participant in the Oxford Elgin Rainbow Researches, Community Advisory Group.
I work for an organization of approximately 70 employees. Myself and one recently hired colleague are the only two Out employees.
Through my employment, I am the secretary for a Provincial Child Welfare 2SLGBTQIA+ committee, and provide support for a monthly Queer Youth group and various other queer initiatives.
Hallie Abram I am currently in the role of Office Administration for the N'Amernind Friendship Centre. I have been working and volunteering in the London Urban Community for over 25 years. Being a helper is a way of life. Everything I put my hand to comes from my heart. I am blessed.
Sister Patricia Derouin Sister Patricia Derouin is a fierce elder in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who has been dedicated to activism, connect and protection of her community. A 72 year young old fashioned/old school butch lesbian currently living in the London ON region.
Her activism spans generations from rallies on Parliament Hill, marches on Elgin St. and Toronto. In 2023, she was recognized Ken Sadler Pride Award for her exceptional work in improving the lives of London's Queer and Two-Spirit communities. As well, she was the Grand Marshall of the 2025 London Pride Festival Parade. Most recently known as the founder of Drag Storytime Guardians and Guardians in Action, a province wide network of 1000 members who work tirelessly providing support and protection to the Queer community showing up on her signature battle vest covered in patches that tell a story of Queer history.
Devon Church (Moderator) Devon has dedicated his life to helping others, with the last two decades strongly focused on advocating for vulnerable populations, specifically 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
Originally focused on specializing in behavioural dementias and palliative care, Devon learned quickly how to build honest and trusting therapeutic nurse client relationships. His compassion, kindness and humour has continued to be his lighthouse throughout his nursing career.
Devon is a member of the Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health (CPATH) and the Chair of Elgin County Pride. Devon also works with local agencies and health care providers, advancing local knowledge on gender-affirming care.
Potato Potluck Thanksgiving
Get those cookbooks cracked open or pop on over to Pinterest - it's time to get out your favourite potato recipe out!
We're thrilled to invite you to our Rainbow Connections Potato Potluck Thanksgiving! All three social groups - Queer Qlub, Young Adult Social, and Queer Adult Social - are invited to this special event. We'll be serving up a mashed potato bar with all the fixings, and we'd love it if you could bring a potato dish, too. Can't bring anything? Don't worry - we have plenty to share. See you there!
Queer Mix & Mingle
🌈✨ You're invited! ✨🌈
Join us for our Queer Community Mix & Mingle — an evening of connection, celebration, and community 💬🍹
🎉 Featuring special guest Fae Johnstone
📍 Caso Station, St. Thomas
🗓️ May 22, 2025 | 6–8pm
🧡 Drinks, apps, and great convo await!
RSVP now via the QR code below or on the GECO Eventbrite page by clicking here!
ConnectHer: Building Bridges for Working Women Across Canada
Join us for the ConnectHer Conference, a dynamic and empowering event aimed at celebrating, connecting, and inspiring women in the workforce, particularly in non-traditional industries. This is your opportunity to share your expertise, knowledge, and insights with a diverse audience of thought leaders, trailblazers, and advocates for gender equity.
Write for Rights
Join the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario and the London Public Libraries for a Write for Rights Youth Event on February 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the CitiPlaza Library (251 Dundas Street, London, Ontario). We’ll start with a 30-minute presentation about the initiative and how you can make a difference, followed by a session on persuasive writing. After that, enjoy an hour and a half of drop-in and letter writing time where you can write, ask questions, and learn more. Never heard of Write for Rights? Write for Rights is a global campaign that uses the power of letter-writing to defend individuals who are experiencing human rights injustices around the world.
UWO Volunteer Fair
Join us The Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario (GECO) at this years Volunteer fair at Western University. Learn more about how to involved and answers to all your questions!
Giveaway Winner Announced!
WE ARE GIVING AWAY A $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD AND WE WANT YOU TO WIN!
To enter the giveaway, 1. follow Rainbow Connections on Instagram, 2. tag a friend in our post, and 3. share the giveaway post on your story.
It’s as simple as that!
Visit our Instagram page @rainbowconnectionsgeco by clicking the little Instagram button in our header next to the “Join The Community” button. Or click the button below!
Activities/Fun/Info Booth
Presented by the Youth Committee of the Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario (GECO), we will be hosting a fun booth coinciding with the Pride Parade! The booth will primarily be active during the two hours following the parade but will start towards the end for those who need to leave earlier. Stay tuned for more information!
Pride Parade London, ON
The 28th Annual Pride Parade in London, Ontario, finally returns to in-person celebrations! This vibrant event showcases the diversity and unity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, featuring colorful floats, lively music, and enthusiastic participants marching through the heart of the city.
Join us (GECO) as we celebrate love, acceptance, and pride in this joyous and inclusive event. To show interest check out the link below:
GECO Virtual Speaker Series - Topic TBD
Join us for our monthly virtual speaker series event for an evening including a panel of activists, experts, and allies in educating and empowering others towards gender justice for all.