June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and honour every individual’s right to equality, and to celebrate the richness that 2SLGBTQ+ individuals bring to our communities.
The Pride flag will be flying at McMaster this month as a visible reminder: Whether you are 2SLGBTQIA+, gender questioning or unsure, you belong here, and the university community celebrates you year-round.
Click here for a message from Barrington Walker, McMaster’s vice-provost, Equity and Inclusion.
Below is a list of campus and community events, organizations and resources to celebrate and support the diverse individuals who enrich our community.
Please check back as we will continue to update the listing below all month.
Events
Pride Month Launch event for staff and faculty | June 1
Organized by the Pride at Mac Employee Resource Group, this is an opportunity for conversation, coffee, networking, and a safe space to be together and celebrate diverse communities.
When: June 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Click here to register. Capacity is limited to 150 people, so you may be placed on a wait list.
Queer Summer Dating Workshop: Dos, Don’ts, and Dating Apps | June 8
This event is specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Join educator Eva Bloom for an interactive workshop focused on building the skills to date this summer. Together, explore topics like how to make a dating profile, how to navigate apps safely, boundaries, safe(r) sex, and shame-free sexuality.
When: June 8 | 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: MUSC 311-313
Click here to register.
Campus Hike | June 11
Allies are welcome at this short hike on campus. More information will be available shortly.
When: June 11 | 11am to 1pm
Webinar: Pride in Practice: Understanding 2SLGBTQ+ health care experiences | June 15
The Faculty of Health Sciences Equity & Inclusion Office is hosting this Zoom Webinar Lunch & Learn.
Co-presenters Albina Veltman, associate chair of EDI & IR and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, and Tara La Rose, chair of the McMaster Research Ethics Board and associate professor in the School of Social Work, will review barriers to health care access in patients who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and discuss what makes for more positive, inclusive health-care experiences for members of this community, including the importance of non-verbal communication.
When: June 15, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Click here to register
Family planning virtual session | June 18
McMaster Faculty and Staff are welcomed to join colleagues in a discussion on all things family planning for our community. Feel free to share your journey, listen to others, take notes, and follow up with questions for those who are trying to navigate the family planning process.
When: June 18, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Click here to register
Wen-Do Self-Defence Workshop for 2SLGBTQIA+ Staff | June 23
Staff and faculty can participate in the Defy: 2SLGBTQIA+ Self-Defence program for members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The goal is to heighten their sense of self-trust and awareness of their environment.
Focused on trans, non-binary, 2-Spirit, and queer safety and empowerment, the program prepares participants to defend themselves both mentally and physically, and giving them the confidence to deal with the range of types of aggression they are most likely to encounter in real life.
When: June 23, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Fitzhenry studio in the David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC)
Click here for more information
Student Wellness Centre programming
From June 1 through June 30, the SWC has a number of events and initiatives planned. These include:
- A resource table with supplies, information and educational materials
- Literature in the Lounge book collection
- Queer and Trans Colour Club (QTCC)
- A cooking class on June 11
- The Pride Social on June 16
- Embracing Gender Diversity Counselling Group sessions. Topics are:
-
- June 9: Supporting and navigating the fight for trans rights
-
- June 16: Media, queerness and queer joy
-
- June 23: Navigating supports and safe spaces for queer, trans and gender diverse folks
Click here for the full list and details.
Resources
McMaster Resources
Student Wellness Centre
Medical care, counselling, health promotion, gender affirming care services such as: Medical and social transition assessments, prescriptions for hormone therapy, referral letters, gender-affirming one-on-one counselling, Embracing Gender Diversity wellness program.
Pride Community Centre (PCC): Programming, Access to Resources, and Peer Support through a physical space for students to meet and socialize.
Queer and Trans Colour Club (QTCC): A club for Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPoC) 2SLGBTQ+ students by BIPoC 2SLGBTQ+ students.
The MSU Women & Gender Equity Network (WGEN): A peer support-driven service for women, trans folk, and gender non-conforming individuals.
LGBTQ2SIA+ Athletic Advocacy Group (LAAG): An athletic advocacy group aimed to provide an inclusive and supportive environment and Community across McMaster Athletics & Recreation through education, advocacy, programs, and social events.
McMaster Trans Advocacy Club: A space for trans, nonbinary, 2-Spirit, gender-diverse students, staff, faculty, alumni, community members, and allies to curate community and push for change. Reach out by email at MTAG@mcmaster.ca
The Rainbow Bursary: Supports queer graduate students across all disciplines, especially those working to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ knowledge and well-being. Contact giving@mcmaster.ca to support this initiative.
Additional Resources
Reach out Hamilton: St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
Rainbow Health Ontario: A directory of health providers committed to providing competent and welcoming care to 2SLGBTQ+ people in Ontario
Speqtrum by YWCA Hamilton: A youth-oriented community offering a variety of programs and supports focusing on skill-sharing and community.
Compass Community Health: Provide care and programming to 2SLGBTQI+ people including; Gender Affirming Care, Gender Gear Program, Trans ID clinic, Grocery Program, and more!
PFLAG Canada: Support, education, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones.
Trans Care Directory: Directory to help gender diverse individuals find care providers in Canada.
LGBT Youth Line: Confidential peer support via phone, text, or chat.
Trans Lifeline: 24/7 peer support by and for trans people. 1-877-330-6366