Drop-in Hub
Drop-in Hub
Rainbow Connections has officially opened a brand-new physical community hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults. Visitors are welcome to stop by, hang out, grab a snack, collect some resources, and just be themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.
Location:15 St Catharine Street, St Thomas ON, unit 305, third floor
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 2:00 to 5:00 PM
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)
PLEASE NOTE: YAS is on hiatus for the summer!
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 and fourth Thursdays of the month at 16 Mary Street West, YWCA, 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!
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Sept. 29
6:00 - 8:00 PM
YWCA Gymnasium - 16 Mary St West, St Thomas, ON
Book Fair Fundraiser
We’re having another All-Ages Book Fair! This “Pay What You Can” Book Fair is helping to raise funds for Rainbow Connections’ “Keep the Lights On” Campaign.
Community members have generously donated books for this special Book Fair from a wide variety of genres including books for children. Attendees are asked to pay what they can for their selected books. All money collected will go to Rainbow Connections to continue their programming and keep The Hub open.
Special Feature: Blind Date with a Book Bundles - minimum price: $10
Hope to see you there!
Interested in Volunteering?
Service Canada Mobile Clinic
Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits. Harley from Service Canada is coming to the Rainbow Connections Drop-in Hub (15 St Catharine Street, 3rd Floor, St Thomas) on Thursday, January 29 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Come by for help with:
Canada Disability Benefit
Canadian Dental Care Plan
Social Insurance Number
Employment Insurance
And more!
Please bring any required documents (ie. birth certificate, photo ID, etc.) For a complete list of required documents, please visit www.canada.ca or call 1-800-O-CANADA.
No registration or appointment is necessary.
Speaker's Series #4: Gendered Realities and the Unhoused
Gender Equality Coalition of Ontario is excited to present the fourth Speaker's Series on January 7. This month’s topic is "Gendered Realities and the Unhoused" and features 3 speakers. This is a free, in-person event. Don’t miss out on some excellent insight.
Event Details:
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Online via Zoom
Speakers:
Ray Fangrad
Shelley Yeo
Joan Atkinson
Christina Waite (moderator)
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 in St Thomas. (Location to be announced.) Don’t miss out on some unique insight.
Event Details:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM
53 Hiawatha 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.
Grand Opening - Drop-in Hub
Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of the Rainbow Connections Drop-in Hub!
Join us for our Opening Celebration at 6 PM at 53 Hiawatha Street, St Thomas to mix & mingle, enjoy some “Walking tacos” and soft drinks, and meet the Rainbow Connections team.
Can’t make it to the Grand Opening Celebration? Stop by the Drop-in Hub at 15 St Catharine Street, unit 305, St Thomas on Wednesday, Dec 3 between 2-5 PM to see what the space looks like. The Drop-in Hub is the first of its kind in St Thomas - a place where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and young adults can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment.
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
Queer History Moment - The Purge
When: Tuesday, November 11 following the Remembrance Day Ceremony (aprox 12 PM)
Where: Lockwood Books, 488 Talbot Street, St Thomas
Who: All are welcome to join with respect
FREE admission
Join Rainbow Connections to discuss and learn the history of "The Purge of Members of the LGBT Community in the Military and Civil Service" between the 1940s-1990s, which included such tactics as the "Fruit Machine."
ALSO: Hear activist Michelle Douglas speak in an interview from the "LGBT Purge Survivor Stories" YouTube archive about her experience with interrogation and accessing the support of Sven Robinson, Canada's first openly gay MP.
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.
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!
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.
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!
