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Queer Spiritual Spaces: Peer Support Program

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.

Open to 2SLGBTQIA+ students who want to explore spirituality. Program is accessible to people of all faiths and of diverse relationships to spirituality.

One-to-one appointments & drop-ins

Individual appointments in person or online are available.

In-person drop-ins are also available on Tuesdays from 1– 3 p.m. at Koffler House, Room 310

To book an appointment, please email clarasuna.kim@utoronto.ca.

Events

Facilitated workshops, discussions and socials that build community, share learning and positive/affirming resources on diverse spiritualities and faiths for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

Queer Spiritual Spaces Peer Mentor

Headshot of Genesis smiling.

Genesis (Edna Bovas)

they/them
Queer Spiritual Spaces Peer Mentor

Edna “Genesis” Bovas (they/them) is a disabled, queer, and gender-expansive Tamil and Malayalee settler based in Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Deeply influenced by Disability and Healing Justice movements, Genesis is committed to creating spaces where those often pushed to the margins—particularly within faith communities—can feel welcomed and valued. With over a decade of experience spanning academia, arts education, non-profit, and faith-based sectors, Genesis brings a multidisciplinary approach to their work as an educator, facilitator, and Healing Arts practitioner in training. Currently a graduate student at the University of Toronto, where they study Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, Genesis also holds a Master’s degree in English Literature, focusing on Postcolonial and Transnational Literatures, and an undergraduate degree in English Literature and Women & Gender Studies. They are devoted to learning and serving the spiritual needs of disabled, racialized, queer, and trans communities as a future psycho-spiritual therapist and are currently in the process of registering with the College of Registered Psychotherapists.

Faith orientation: Spiritually-fluid; grounded in Tamil Animist and Earth-based practices, as well as Socially Engaged Buddhisms with a Tamil Christian formation

Program of Study: Master of Psychospiritual Studies at Emmanuel College with a certificate in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care

Interest(s): Cats, Art, Music, Reading, Food, and Napping

A Note from Genesis:

Dear Queer Spiritual Spaces Community,

My name is Genesis (they/them). I am honored to serve as the Peer Mentor for Queer Spiritual Spaces for this coming academic year. I am here to support you in 1:1 appointments, facilitating group gatherings, and by co-facilitating weekly conversation circles. I also aim to bring an interfaith lens to our spaces that center queer and trans experiences in a positive and affirming way.

If you’re looking for a space where your spiritual needs are understood and honored, I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey. I am dedicated to learning and growing with you, as we collectively explore what it means to live and thrive as complex people in these complex times.