Affirming Leaders Day
Saturday, November 15, 9am-3:30pm MT
Affirming Leaders Day is our annual professional development event for leaders, on emerging issues in 2SLGBTQIA+ and faith intersections.
Every person doing 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming work is a leader — whether you’re an expert or beginner, staff, a volunteer, ally, or queer-identified.
This online conference is your chance to learn, connect, and recharge! You’ll hear from inspiring guests, including:
✨ Lucas Wilson – author, editor, post-doctoral fellow
✨ Tyler Babiy – queer content creator, social media strategist
✨ Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai – minister, activist
✨ Ben Dobyns – musician, Sanctuary program organizer
Tickets
We want everyone to be able to join us, regardless of financial circumstances. If cost is a barrier to your attendance, don't hesitate to get in touch with us here and we will make sure you are taken care of.
*Brought to you in partnership with Affirming Connections and the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada and the Chinook Winds Region of the United Church of Canada.
What The Hell Discussion Series
Wednesdays, Oct 22, 29 - 6pm PT / 7pm MT / 9pm ET
Come for one night or all!
Join us for a thoughtful engagement on how bad theology affects us all. The 2SLGBTQIAP+ community has long been menaced with images and threats of hell, and a certainty that queer folks will end up there if they do not renounce the way that God lovingly created them. But what is hell? What were/are we told about hell in our churches and faith communities? How does this affect images in wider society and how society is in relationship with both 2SLGBTQIAP+ people, the church and hell?
In this series, based on the short documentary "What the Hell," we explore themes from Queer Theology, the Affirming Ministry movement, and Liberation Theology. By exploring these themes, we may begin to create a deeper and broader understanding of what Queer theology is, of how it enriches the life of the church and the theology of the United Church, and of the expansive connections Queer Theology shares with struggles for rights and equality in our everyday lives; not just for queer people, but for everyone.
Led by Kendra Mitchell-Foster and Pam Rocker, with special guests, including Dr. Harry O. Maier on Oct 22 and Rev. Mark Tremblay on Oct 29!
*Brought to you in partnership with Affirming Connections and the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada.
Community Safety Training
Recording available
This practical and relevant workshop (recorded from the live event on June 3, 2025) teaches ways to protect yourself and marginalized communities at protests and events, through effective de-escalation and creative nonviolence. Enhance your safety and self-defense toolbelt.
Led by experienced Community Protection Facilitator, and Head of Security at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Aidan McKendrick!
Speak up for trans youth!
The majority of Canadians agree that ALL people deserve access to healthcare, education, safety, and respect, including trans youth. Freedom is an illusion unless it also means freedom for everyone, and freedom from discrimination.
Let's grab the megaphone, spread love, and show that the Canada we envision is a place where everyone is welcome to be who they are, without fear.
Click here to download MY CANADA and MY ALBERTA images and sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our website to stay in touch!
For a list of topical resources on the latest 2SLGBTQ+ issues in Canada, click here!
Queer Interfaith Coalition
The Queer Interfaith Coalition (QIC) and its Affirming allies are reclaiming the religious voice from those who have sought to weaponize faith. We believe that all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are created in the Divine Image and that advocacy for their human rights is not antithetical to faith, but a central tenet of our religious faiths.
To learn more and sign onto our open letter, visit our page here.
Join our United Against Hate campaign!
Affirming Connections stands in support of drag performers, trans, gender diverse, Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities across Canada.
We have seen an apparent rise in malicious misinformation, conspiracy theories, threats, and violence that target drag performers, and the queer and trans communities. In 2023 alone, hate crimes against the queer community rose by 69%, and this number continues to increase.
Add your name to this letter with 400+ others show your public support for 2SLGBTQ+ people who have been facing the brunt of this targeted discrimination. Your voice on this issue truly matters.
Drag FAQ’s Answered
Affirming Connections started the United Against Hate campaign to address the surge in misinformation, disinformation, and violence targeting drag performers and trans people. We compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we encounter, then asked experts from a variety of fields—including affirming faith leaders, drag performers, educators, academics and researchers—to answer them.