Gender Justice & Pride Inclusion
This page includes highlights about what actions are happening now, our hopes for the future and roles involved in this stream.
Gender justice speaks to addressing inequities and ensuring that regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, all individuals have the same opportunities, rights, access and representation in both law and practice. Our hope is for all individuals who are part of the Pride community to feel welcomed and included within our spaces, programs and services.
Pride is about personal rights, visibility and acceptance. It promotes inclusion and equality by celebrating self-affirmation and dignity in the lives of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and all other sexual orientations and gender identities (2SLGBTQIA+).
What Evidence Tells Us
Our 2023 JAIDE Survey, Employee Insights Survey and feedback from our diverse communities demonstrated:
Representation matters.
18% of employees feel there is not representation of equity deserving groups at all levels of the YMCA of Three Rivers.
Belonging matters.
9% feel that the YMCA of Three Rivers does not challenge discrimination against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Stopping harm matters.
19% of employees feel a lack of safety and acceptance in their gender indentity.
The Impact We Hope to Achieve
By actively supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, our YMCA will work to create a more inclusive workplace that fosters a sense of belonging and encourages diverse talent to join and thrive.
Our intentions in providing resources, accountable spaces, and policies that support 2SLGBTQIA+ employees and the greater community is to reduce harmful incidents and increase the sense of belonging, which will positively impacts mental health and overall well-being.
We will work to increase the access, presence and connection for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within our programs and spaces so that underrepresented, under engaged and equity-deserving groups can have deeper impact and pathways to build their Y story with us.
Click into the sections below to see the steps we are currently taking to make an impact in this stream. This section is updated frequently and a part of our ongoing commitment and accountability towards action.
IN ACTION
One Year Update
Facilities & Inclusive Spaces
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Across all locations, our changerooms include private options such as private showers and private changing stalls.
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All camps now offer non-gendered cabin options for families and campers to choose a space that feels most comfortable for them.
Programs & Community Engagement
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In continued conversation with Guelph Pride to partner on Pride Swim events for Pride Month 2026.
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LGBTQ+ Youth Swim in Stratford (October 2025 & March 2026).
Training & Education
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Co-facilitated three rainbow trainings in partnership with Spectrum for EarlyON employees.
Tools & Resources
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Enhancement of our online Violence Assessment tool is currently underway as we incorporate feedback, strengthen JAIDE integration, and add how-to tutorials, with rollout to YMCA of Three Rivers locations to follow.
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Toolkits for three of our JAIDE Leading Change modules are available on the JAIDE SharePoint, supporting employees to better understand Intersectionality, Accountability and Allyship.
Partnerships & Commitments
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In partnership with the Region of Waterloo and their Access and Inclusion Plan, our Child Care and EarlyON teams have established an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitment. Aligned with our JAIDE priorities, such as EDI the intention is to highlight current commitments within these areas as it pertains to these services, and recognize areas of growth.
