Queer Spiritual Spaces centers and celebrates queer and trans and faith communities. The purpose of this program is to provide one-on-one support, referrals and build communal multi-faith spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students who want to explore spirituality. This program is accessible to people of all faiths and of diverse relationships to spirituality. Students can access appointments or drop in for individual conversation with a peer support person, find resources, and join community discussions and workshops. This program is a collaborative project with the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office and Emmanuel College.
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Program Eligibility
2SLGBTQIA+ students who want to explore spirituality. Program is accessible to people of all faiths and of diverse relationships to spirituality.
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How The Program Works
One-to-one appointments & drop-ins
Individual appointments in person or online are available.
In-person drop-ins are also available on Wednesdays from 12 – 6 p.m. and Fridays from 2 – 6 p.m.
Events
Facilitated workshops, discussions and socials that build community, share learning and positive/affirming resources on diverse spiritualities and faiths for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
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Program Activities & Schedule
10 FebQueer Movie Night – Fractal: stories across the gender spectrum
We are excited to invite you to a special screening of the powerful and thought-provoking documentary, Fractal : stories across the gender spectrum. This film explores the nuanced and personal experiences of transgender individuals, delving into their struggles, success and the complexities of their identities.
Date: 10 Feb 2023
Start Time: 4:30 pm
End Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Robarts Library, Media Commons Theatre, Room 302510 MarQueer Interfaith Panel
Join our panelists from different faith and community backgrounds to discuss and reflect on queer identity, faith and community. This is intended to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for discussion and community building. Please RSVP by registering on CLNx before March 10. Panelists TBA.
Date: 10 Mar 2023
Start Time: 2:30 pm
End Time: 4:30 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, Main Activity Hall31 MarTrans Inclusivity Community Social
Join us for activities, mural painting, food and to learn about resources available on campus and in the community! This is event is for everyone and anyone who may be interested in attending. Please RSVP by registering on CLNx before the event. We hope to see you there!
Date: 31 Mar 2023
Start Time: 3:30 pm
End Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Multi-Faith Centre, Main Activity Hall -
Program Student Team
Yijia Shao
Pronouns: they/them
Role on Team: Peer Support and Community Facilitator
Yijia (pronounced ee-ja) is motivated to provide an inclusive multi-faith space which is queer & trans-positive and accessible. As for Yijia's academic background, they hold an Honours Bachelor of Science at U of T, majoring in Psychology. Their undergraduate thesis focused on the factors that empower and disempower coming-out experiences of people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Yijia demonstrated their leadership using trauma-informed and anti-oppression approaches by initiating an Asian Queer support group when anti-Asian hate crime numbers rose during the pandemic.
Status: Graduate
Program of Study: Master of Pastoral Studies at Emmanuel College, psychotherapy and spiritual care
Interest(s):
- Hiking
- Exhibitions
- Theatre
Learn more about Yijia
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Program Registration
To book an appointment, please log in to CLNx and select appointments at St. George Campus to find Multi-Faith Peer Support.
You can also watch a short tutorial video on how to book appointments on CLNx:
If you have trouble booking an appointment, please email multi.faith@utoronto.ca.