WORKSHOP A – Saturday, 1:00 – 2:15 pm
We’ll All Be Free: Intersections of LGBTQ+ and Racial Justice – Chad Lucas
Navigating the complex intersections between race, culture, ethnicity, sexuality and gender can be tricky. How do we avoid slipping into a competition of marginalization or “wokeness” and serve as true allies to people who are both alike and different from us? This workshop aims to be a safe space to share, ask questions and learn from each other as we imagine what true justice might look like. Chad will share what he’s learned, particularly in growing up in and working with the African Nova Scotian community, as well as his experiences with Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq communities. There will also be space for people to ask questions, share stories, and interact around the theme.
Chad Lucas could go by lots of different labels: African Nova Scotian, biracial, husband, father, queer. He’s a writer, musician and worship leader with a professional background in journalism, communications and restorative approaches. He is an active member of the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition. He lives with his family near Halifax, Nova Scotia.
All the Colours of the Rainbow: Exploring Identities Beyond the “+” – Becca Sawyer
Many people could probably tell you which identities are represented in the acronym ‘LGBT’, but what about any beyond those four? What about the + in LGBT+? This workshop will explore the identities that often get overlooked in queer spaces, including queer, asexual, non-binary, intersex, two-spirit, and more. We will talk terms, assumptions, and ways to build a more inclusive community. This will be a great opportunity to learn from each other.
Becca Sawyer identifies as a queer woman on the asexual spectrum, and also calls herself an ambivert, an enneagram 2, and a humanitarian in the making. She is a graduate from Wycliffe College at Uof T with a Masters in Urban and International Development. Her thesis focused on home building with refugees and the narratives we tell about home. Becca is the Events Manager at Generous Space Ministries. She loves to travel, play her ukulele (Cecilia), and hang out with her dog (Presley) and fianceee (Mary). You can find her quoting Gilmore Girls, making up alternative lyrics to songs, and eating peanut butter cups on the regular.
Stages of Change: Moving to Affirmation – Wendy Vanderwal Gritter
This workshop will consider the stages that an individual goes through to move from resistance to affirming. And together we’ll reflect on what the journey can look like in communities of faith. Come with your stories and experiences as we explore mapping the stages of change.
Dr. Wendy Vanderwal Gritter is the Executive Director at Generous Space Ministries. Read more about her here!
WORKSHOP B – Saturday, 2:15 – 3:00 pm
The Queer and Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts – Robbie Walker
The Holy Spirit is queer, gentle, and full of fire–and at moment’s notice, she can mess us up! Come and explore the activities of the Holy Spirit in the earliest Church, and how the messes (s)he made then are still Good News for LGBTQ2S+ peoples today. Bring your Bible (if you have one), your questions, your curiosity, your playfulness… and perhaps your desire to know Holy Spirit better than you do now. There will be lots of opportunity for discussion!
Robbie Walker is working toward the PhD Theological Studies from the University of Toronto, focusing on embodiment in Queer and Pentecostal theologies. As someone who lives with cerebral palsy, Robbie seeks to apply Christian practices of nonviolence to healing ministry, and wants to be a Holy Spirit flamer–it’s biblical! Robbie’s not-so-inner geek waits eagerly for each new episode of The Voice, The 100, and Star Trek: Discovery.
Queer Celebration – Beth Carlson-Malena
As LGBTQ+ Christians, we often spend a lot of time defending our right to exist and serve in Christian spaces. This sometimes leaves little room for us to let loose and actually celebrate who we are as queer Christians, and the unique gifts we have. For some of us who have been mired in internalized queerphobia, it’s even hard to grasp what there is to celebrate!
This collaborative, creative workshop (originally pioneered by Marie Raynard at last year’s East Coast GS Retreat) will be a relaxed, light-hearted space where we can encourage each other, name and celebrate what we love about our LGBTQ+ selves, and record these things using words, images and colour, all while listening to a playlist of excellent queer musicians. Come excited to share and rejoice in the beautiful, unique aspects of being queer. (Note: This workshop is intended for folks who identify on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.)
Beth Carlson-Malena is one of the Co-Directors of Community at Generous Space Ministries. Read more about her here.
LGBTQ & Ally Voices: the One-Two Punch – Wendy Vanderwal Gritter & Eric Van Giessen
Join Eric and Wendy as they unpack the dance that LGBTQ+ folks and their allies do when engaging the Christian community. We’ll talk about key learnings for allies, pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure LGBTQ+ voices are centered.
Dr. Wendy Vanderwal Gritter is the Executive Director at Generous Space Ministries. Read more about her here!
Eric Van Giessen is the Manager of Operations at Generous Space Ministries. Read more about him here!