Park Board Pride

Services for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

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  Services

  The Vancouver Park Board and Community Centre Associations are actively working to improve support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through a number of initiatives, including:

  • Offering weekly swimming, fitness, and art programs for Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse (2STGD) people
  • Activating 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive programs and events throughout the city
  • Marking our washrooms and change rooms as safe spaces for gender diverse people
  • Offering programs in spaces exclusively reserved for 2STGD people and their friends and families
  • Providing financial assistance for residents with low-incomes, including specific low-barrier access for 2STGD people in recognition of the extra challenges presented by name and ID changes
  • Employing staff who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and can provide support and resources targeted to the needs of this community
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  Recreation programs

  2SLGBTQIA+ people are already involved in recreation programs and activities at our facilities and community centres across the city, but barriers exist for some people that require specialized programs and exclusive spaces to feel safe and welcome.

  Currently, specialized programs are centring Two-Spirit, trans, gender diverse (2STGD) people, and 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth, and while we provide general descriptions here, the specific details of time, day, and location are not shared publicly.

  If you are 2STGD, connect with us by emailing 2STGD@vancouver.ca to learn more.

  For 2SLGBTQIA+ programs, email queerinclusion@vancouver.ca for details.

Current programs

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  Social craft night
  (16 years and up)

  Get crafty with your community.

  These social craft nights are for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bi/pan, trans, queer, intersex, agender, gender diverse, and folks of other identities within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, 16 years and up.

  This is a session where you bring your own project and supplies to a shared space, and connect with other members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community while you create.

  We provide tables and chairs, a couple power outlets to share, and access to a kitchen sink.

  Project guidelines

  • No glitter, sprays, or things that spatter or stain
  • No scented projects or processes

  Details

  • How to register: Visit vanrec.ca and search “Social Craft Night” to see available dates and locations. Information icon  Summer 2024 programs are limited, watch for more options in 2025.
  • Cost: This program is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is required for each date. 

  Want to see if your project is suitable, or get accessibility information for the space? Email queerinclusion@vancouver.ca.

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  Weekly 2STGD Workout
  (13 years and up)

  Train in a safe and supportive environment.

  The 2STGD Workout program is for folks who identify as Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse, as well as their friends and family 13 years and up.

  The 2STGD-exclusive program room will be set up with spin bikes, free weights, kettlebells and more, with additional machines and heavy equipment available in the fitness centre (shared with general public).

  The fitness instructor is a member of the 2STGD community and they are prepared to lead a circuit session in the program room, provide orientation and training in the fitness centre, and develop individualized training programs.

  When: Every Monday
  Time and location: 7:15pm to 8:15pm in a central Vancouver location
  How to register: No advance registration is required; drop in admission can be purchased at the facility
  Cost: Regular fitness drop-in rates (Leisure Access subsidies apply)

  For detailed information, email 2STGD@vancouver.ca.

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  2STGD swim and gym
  (all ages)

  Swim or enjoy the fitness centre in a relaxed and safe environment. 

  The 2STGD swim and gym is for folks who identify as Two-Spirit, trans, and gender diverse, as well as their friends and family.

  All ages and abilities welcome. Fitness centre users must be 13+ years. There is no fitness staff on site.

  Pool staff have received 2STGD competency training.

  Note The 2STGD swim and gym may be affected by summer hours, maintenance closures, and special events. 

  Details

  • When: Every Sunday
  • Time and location: 11:30am to 1:30pm in an East Vancouver location
  • How to register: No advance registration is required; drop in admission can be purchased at the facility.
  • Cost: Regular pool drop-in rates (Leisure Access subsidies apply)

  For detailed information, email 2STGD@vancouver.ca.

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  Get creative
  (7 to 12 years)

  Get Creative provides a space for Two Spirit, Trans, and Gender Diverse (2STGD) children to connect and create.

  This program will have participants collaborate on visual storytelling projects and discuss topics related to being 2STGD. It is open to anyone who identifies as part of the 2STGD community (including gender-creative and agender children) and their allies.

  • Wednesdays, 3:45pm to 5pm in a central Vancouver location
  • Get Creative is offered in the fall, winter, and spring, with a break over the summer.
  • Free
  • Supplies provided

  Email queerinclusion@vancouver.ca for specific details and to register. 

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  2STGD Comic/Zine Creation
  (19 years and up)

  2STGD Comic/Zine Creation provides a safe space for Two Spirit, trans, and gender diverse adults to connect and create.

  Participants will develop visual storytelling projects and discuss topics related to being 2STGD. 2STGD Comic/Zine Creation is open to all adults 19 and up who identify as Two Spirit, trans, gender diverse, or another label that is part of the trans community.

  • Wednesdays, 7:15pm to 8:45pm in a central Vancouver location
  • 2STGD Comic/Zine Creation is offered in the fall, winter, and spring, with a break over summer.
  • Free
  • Supplies provided

  Email queerinclusion@vancouver.ca for location details or learn more and register online.

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  Queer Circus Drop-in
  (All ages)

  Queer Circus Drop-In provides a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks of all ages to move their bodies and make new friends through this intergenerational playtime.

  Join us to hoop, juggle, spin, twirl, flow, and play in an accessible, body-positive environment. No experience is required, beginners are welcome. We provide hoops, juggling balls, clubs, poi, diabolo, and more. Feel free to bring your own toys and props (note: no fire props, even with covers).

  Park Board Pride: Queer Circus Drop-In is open to participants of any age who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and their family members or friends. Youth and adults are welcome to attend solo. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible person (babysitter, parent, guardian). This program is specifically welcoming to Two Spirit, trans, and gender diverse people.

  • Wednesdays, 5:45pm to 7pm at Hillcrest Community Centre
  • Queer Circus Drop-In is offered in the fall, winter, and spring, with a break over summer when we take circus gear to Pride events!
  • Drop-in, advance registration not required
  • Free

  Learn more or email queerinclusion@vancouver.ca 

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  Community centre partner programs

  Our community centre partners across the city are offering more programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth, including art, book clubs, pottery programs, youth drop-ins, and more.

  Queer youth drop-in
  (11 to 16 years)

  When: Saturdays 2pm to 4pm in an East Vancouver location

  A safe and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+, questioning or unlabelled youth to authentically be themselves. Together, we'll co-create a space to share our experiences, learn from each other and have fun! We have pool, table tennis, foosball, a Nintendo switch and more! We’ll plan activities including art, cooking, watching queer media, on-site recreational programming like skating and swimming, and even out-trips! Drop by any time - snacks will be provided. Email qyouth@vancouver.ca for details.

  Boxing for 2STGD youth 
  (12 to 18 years)

  When: Wednesdays, 3:30pm to 4:30pm in an East Vancouver Location. Offered fall, winter, and spring.

  This class will teach the basics of punching and footwork of boxing, which is not only fun and fosters confidence and body awareness. Boxing is also an excellent practice for coordination and overall movement literacy. Some youth learn to discover their strength, some to regulate their strength. Visit vanrec.ca and search “Boxing for Youth” for session dates. 

  Queer youth Create
  (13 to 17 years)

  When: Fridays, 7:15pm to 8:15pm in a South Vancouver location. Offered fall, winter, and spring.

  Queer Youth Create combines artistic expression with queer identity, providing a space for LGBTQ+ youth to be creative! We will explore drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, and comic storytelling, and more. Classes will be led by Wake Darrah Cook, Emily Carr Alumnus and published comic artist, with guest demos and instruction from fellow queer artists. This program is free. Visit vanrec.ca and search “Queer Youth Create” for session dates. 

  Learn more about our 24 community centres

Our progress

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  The history

  In 2013, the Park Board established the Trans* and Gender Variant Inclusion. The group worked with the community and staff to identify barriers and take action to increase access to park and recreation services. The resulting report identified 77 recommendations that would improve the safety and belonging of 2STGD people in parks and recreation spaces, in the following areas:

  • Public space
  • Signage
  • Programming
  • Financial accessibility
  • Forms and literature
  • Human resources and training
  • Community partners
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  Building a Path to Parks and Recreation for All

  The work done in the past, based on the Building a Path to Parks and Recreation for All PDF file (3 MB), has led to the Park Board creating two new full time city-wide Recreation Programmer positions in 2022. One with a broad focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion to be filled by a queer person and a second with a narrower focus on 2STGD inclusion to be filled by a person who identifies as a member of that community.

  The queer Inclusion team will collaborate with staff throughout the city to increase the 2STGD-accessible programs, and will be refreshing employee training, developing more education materials for the public, and engaging with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for an updated understanding of their barriers and needs in the realm of parks, leisure, and recreation programming.

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  Two-Spirit Pre-Pride

  With the guidance of the Vancouver LGBTQ2+ Advisory Committee, the TGD2S team organized the first two-spirit community feast and gathering.

  The Two-Spirit Pre-Pride Social was a celebration of community and culture to kick off the 2018 pride season. In the spirit of reconciliation, this event aimed to foster engagement and meaningful dialogue between the two-spirit community, the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Park Board.

  

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  Washroom signs

  Following extensive consultation with the community a new washroom sign design guideline has been developed. The gender diverse people welcome tagline aims to encourage those outside the gender binary to feel safe and welcome in all Park Board washrooms and change spaces. The new signs will be up in all community centres by the end of 2019.

  In compliance with the BC Human Rights Code, folks accessing Park Board facilities are encouraged to use the washroom or change room that they feel most comfortable using. Harassment and transphobia will not be tolerated.

Get involved

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  Volunteering with us

  2SLGBTQ+ Committee

  The mandate of the 2SLGBTQ+ Committee is to advise City Council and staff on enhancing access and inclusion for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse and queer communities to fully participate in City services and civic life.

  The current committee will end its term on November 6, 2022.

  Learn more about this committee

  Find another agency, board, or committee

  2SLGBTQIA+ people can be involved in discussions shaping our city on a broad range of topics. Connect with other Vancouver residents in groups working on topics within these areas:

  • Arts, culture, and recreation
  • People and communities
  • Planning, zoning, and development

  Learn more about our agencies, boards, and committees

  Community centres 

  Many of Vancouver’s community centres are operated in collaboration with a Community Centre Association (CCA). CCAs will have a board of directors and other volunteer and paid positions for people interested in serving their neighbourhood and community.  

  Find a list of community centres

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  Working at the City

  We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQIA+, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion

  See current job postings

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  Resources

  Qmunity External website, opens in new tab

  QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver that works to improve queer, trans, and two-spirit lives. We provide a safer space for LGBTQ/2S people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Our building serves as a catalyst for community initiatives and collective strength.

  Queer Arts Festival External website, opens in new tab

  The Pride in Art Society (PiA) produces, presents, and exhibits with a vision favouring challenging, thought-provoking work that pushes boundaries and initiates dialogue, including through the Queer Arts Festival, an annual, professional, artist-run, multidisciplinary festival and new year-round SUM Gallery in the heart Chinatown.

  PiA brings diverse communities together to support artistic risk-taking, incite creative collaboration and experimentation, and celebrate the rich heritage of queer artists and art. We harness the power of the arts to inspire recognition, respect, and visibility of people who transgress gender and sexual norms.

  Trans Care BC External website, opens in new tab

  Trans Care BC is a BC-wide information service and resource hub. We work to make sure people have the information they need to access gender- affirming health care and supports. Our services support those who identify as trans, two-spirit and gender diverse, their families, friends, and loved ones as well as service providers.

  • Trans Care BC Facebook External website, opens in new tab
  • Trans Care BC service directory External website, opens in new tab

  Trans Day of Visibility Guide PDF file (2 MB)

  Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) External website, opens in new tab

  UNYA's 2-Spirit Collective provides support, resources, and programming for Indigenous youth, ages 15 to 30, who identify as 2-spirit or LGBTQ+, and for those who are questioning their sexual or gender identities.

  The 2-Spirit Collective ensures that you have non-judgmental, supportive spaces to get together and explore your identities and what that mean to you. We do this through events, ceremony, workshops, and collaborations with other programs, both at UNYA and with other organizations in the community.