Rainbow Alliance for Men: Finding a Place in Our Community
In the climate of rising hate against the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the increased isolation that many community members feel, particularly during and after the COVID lockdowns, Rainbow Alliance for Men has been and continues to be a warm, welcoming, inclusive community group for people who identify or present as men.
While Rainbow Alliance for Men is a social group by nature, the co-facilitators can’t dismiss the supportive networking that happens at group meetings. For some group members, particularly those that feel they don’t fit in with the rest of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Rainbow Alliance for Men is a vital point of connection with the community.
Co-leaders John (he/him) and James (he/him, they/them) have both benefitted from Rainbow Resource Centre’s programs and services in the past and see volunteering as group leaders as an important and rewarding way to give back to the Centre that gave so much to them.
Rainbow Resource Centre “saved my life”, says John. Before finding Rainbow Resource Centre, “I was struggling with my identity, coming out, bullying and a non-supportive family. I was on a self-destructive path.”
James reflects on his own experience, adding, “I sought Rainbow out for counselling to help me out during some difficult times in my life.” James champions the work that Rainbow does, because “I did not know that these resources existed for people when I was young” and wants to ensure that those who need help, at any stage in life, can access it.
For the Rainbow Alliance for Men group, that means providing a fun social atmosphere for group members to interact, get to know each other, and build friendships. “Some participants have expressed challenges with ageism within the community, issues with cultural differences due to their recent immigration to Canada, as well as general issues within the community such as a lack of belongingness,” James says, noting that many of these people found a sense of belonging with Rainbow Alliance for Men.
John agrees. “The social aspect that we offer is the support that most of us are looking for. Everyone is worthy, capable, and has the potential to shine if they're just given a chance. I've seen very talented people come through RAM that have used the group as a springboard to make the most of what they already have. This makes all of us better.”
And with the rising hate rhetoric present throughout society, it’s this sense of community that will help Rainbow Alliance for Men’s members get through to the other side. John says, “Everyone has a responsibility to recognize and combat hate when confronted. We have to be there for each other. Sticking your head in the sand is not an option.”
Rainbow Alliance for Men meets on the first and third Sunday of the month. The first Sunday is often an outing or a Zoom meeting, and the third Sunday is always an in-person meeting at Rainbow Resource Centre. Click here for more information on Rainbow Alliance for Men.