By: Lucaiah Smith-Miodownik, News Writer

Finding like-minded community through groups, clubs, and teams is a great way to do what you love while making friends. In the Metro Vancouver area, there are numerous organizations dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals connecting with one another, be it through sports, art, reading, and more. This article highlights a few of these spaces and the intriguing activities they have to offer.

Canadian Aviation Pride (CAP) is a not-for-profit organization designed to uplift and connect 2SLGBTQIA+ aviators and aviation enthusiasts, with a focus on “promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation.” The group “hosts regular events, including Pride festival parties and booths.” CAP also provides awards on an application basis for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members interested in pursuing flight education. To learn more, see their website:
aviationpride.ca. 

Following the theme of flight, Vancouver Queer Birders is a collective of avian enthusiasts welcoming all queer individuals regardless of birding experience. The group hosts bird walks and even offers up tips on bird watching and life lists, which are lists of “all the species that a person has seen over their lifetime.” For more information, check out their Instagram, @vanqueerbirders.

While similar in name, you won’t get to spend much time exploring the woods at The Birdhouse. This venue, located near Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood, serves as a space for art and events such as the recent Trans Day of Remembrance gathering, various shows, balls, concerts, and more. “A venue run by and for trans people,” The Birdhouse is run by business partners Paige Frewer and Ryn Broz. “Traditional queer spaces don’t always meet the specific needs of trans folks, so trans people started making those opportunities for themselves,” The Tyee reported of the space. They’re intentional about “gender-affirming” camaraderie, “tailored support and resources,” and “daytime and substance-free” events for youth and folks recovering from trauma. For more information, see their Instagram, @birdhouseartspace. 

For a slower, more relaxed option, readers can check out Rainbow Country Book Club. The group meets monthly to discuss their latest page-turner, which is chosen by public vote. To see more, visit Rainbow Country Book Club on Facebook. If you’re new to the area and are looking to get out and explore, consider checking out GayVan Tourism. “Regularly updated information provides an interactive resource for consumers, travel agents, travel industry providers, and those wanting to reach the LGBTQ+ community.” The company site highlights activities and destinations in Vancouver and beyond, while highlighting local 2SLGTQIA+ events. To learn more, see their website: gayvan.com.

Vancouver Gaymers is a group of gamers in the broadest sense; they play video games, board games, and however you would categorize “lazer tag, corn mazes, amusement parks, and so much more.” Members are wholly encouraged to bring any games they enjoy and would love to share. For more, visit Vancouver Gaymers on Facebook.

For those looking to log some kilometers by foot, there is Vancouver Frontrunners (VFR), “a safe and friendly environment for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their friends to enjoy running and walking.” VFR often meets up post exercise for a group meal too. The group also hosts the annual Vancouver Pride Run & Walk at the end of July, which helps benefit 2SLGBTQIA+ charities focused on empowering queer youth. See vancouverfrontrunners.org for more information. If you’re more into team team sports, Vancouver Rogues Rugby might be the best fit for you. Not only were the original Rogues RFC the “first openly gay/inclusive rugby team in all Canada,” but this reboot has built fighting against racism, transphobia, and homophobia core to their identity.  

Maybe you’re less interested in land or sky and would rather take to the water. Sisters in Sync is “Vancouver’s first and only queer women’s (trans-inclusive) dragonboat team.” Dragon boating is a race in “large canoe-like vessels” with up to 16 people in one boat, paddling to be first across the line. Sisters in Sync is open to those interested regardless of experience. To learn more, check out sisterinsync.ca. However, if you’re more into being in the water rather than over the water, you might consider joining the English Bay Swim Club. The club has been active since 1982 and is all-inclusive to trans and gender non-conforming folks.

This list is far from exhaustive and only begins to scratch the surface of 2SLGBTQIA+ groups, clubs, and spaces in the area where joy and community are waiting to be found. From hockey to yoga to lawn bowling, there is so much more out there to explore!