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We believe in creating a city where everyone feels that they belong, can be who they are and love whomever they choose. In honour of #PrideMonth, we’re spotlighting five programs we support that serve LGBTQ+ people.

Queer and trans youth collaborative

  • After the closing of the Well, Hamilton’s only LGBTQ+ resource hub at the time, the Queer and Trans Youth Collaborative working group came together. Support from HCF helped provide training to youth-serving social service organizations to better engage with young LGBTQ+ Hamiltonians.

The Rainbow Railroad

  • For many LGBTQ+ people around the world, the threat of state-enabled murder, violence and persecution is a daily reality. Toronto-based Rainbow Railroad helps them to escape from these home countries and relocate somewhere they can live their lives in peace and comfort. We’re proud to support this important and life-saving work via the Ray Brillinger and Cy Hack Fund. Watch this powerful video on the work of the Rainbow Railroad.

Rainbow Prom

  • Every student deserves a prom – one that’s safe, welcoming and joyful. In 2008, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board initiated the Rainbow Prom, a positive and safe place where all students can express their gender identities and sexual orientations. We’re proud to support this now annual tradition in Hamilton.

Trauma-sensitive yoga

  • Post-traumatic stress can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. This program at North Hamilton Community Health Centre addresses the high rates of trauma in the LGBTQ+ community and the lack of physical and mental health programming specifically for LGBTQ+ folks in Hamilton. Through yoga, participants engage in a healing experience in an affirming, safe and supportive space.

Kaleidoscope

  • Sometimes folks just need a place to engage with others and feel comfortable. The Kaleidoscope program, a partnership between Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club and NGen Youth Centre, is a LGBTQ+ youth circle that provides a safe and positive space for participants to share experiences, receive peer support and simply be themselves.

Honourable mention: The Unicorn Fund

  • “All LGBTQ+ people need places of support, opportunities to shine and a chance to speak their brilliant truth.” This newly established fund will directly benefit LGBTQ+ kids and their families through granting.


Our Future Intended blog is an ongoing series that spotlights some of our most recent granting in areas such as  
physical activity, Indigenous communities, literacy, food, community theatre, seniors and more.