About the event:
This is a free event, open to everyone, which will include a panel discussion featuring mental health professionals with a background supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and community leaders, followed by a Q & A - all focused on the specific mental health challenges 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals face and what resources exist or can be built in our community to support them.
Attendees will leave with ideas, tools, and resources for supporting their own mental health as well as the mental health of other 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the community.
This event is being organized by Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services, a registered charity providing accessible mental health services in Cambridge and North Dumfries, in partnership with IdeaExchange. The Conversations for Community Care series has been made possible by generous support from the Region of Waterloo's Upstream Fund.
Panelists:
As moderator, Bryan Causarano-Bolton. Bryan is a local Wedding Officiant, Owner of The Merch Room, and Cofounder of Grand River Pride. He has many years of experience creating safespaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the workplace, and is one of the organizers of Cambridge Pride Week.
Michelle Walt. Raised in a rural community and before the internet, Michelle has personal experience with erasure, (often subtle) exclusionary behaviours and harmful societal messages. They are a proud member of the rainbow community and are passionate about providing support to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks of all ages and their families, through the OK2BME program at Camino Mental Health + Wellbeing, to help them endure and confront queerphobia and heteronormativity and increase experiences of Queer and Trans Joy.
Rye Telfar. Rye has spent most of her life living along the Haldimand Tract and currently lives with her partner and incredibly adored cats. It works to build and strengthen queer communities by centering community care and collective responsibility, both personally and professionally. She currently works with SPECTRUM Waterloo Region and serves as the Board Chair for TransCare+.
Grace R.A. Brown. Grace is the Founder and Owner of Journey with Grace Counselling Services. She is a Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. Grace holds a BA in Christian Education and an MA in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy.
Grace provides mental health support to Individuals, Couples and Families and is passionate about guiding and supporting healthy relationships with Self, Others and Communities.
About Porchlight:
Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services is a registered charity providing accessible Counselling, Addiction, and other Mental Health services. This is a free event. Donations in support of Porchlight will be gratefully accepted at the event.
