About Us
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Red Deer Queer Community Association was founded and operates on the traditional territory of the Niisitapi, (including the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai peoples,) the Tsuut'ina, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Saulteaux and the homeland of the Métis peoples, which is now referred to as Treaty 7 territory. RDQCA respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.
HOW WE STARTED
The Red Deer Queer Community Association is a non-profit organisation that provides 2SLGBTQIA+ community and education services, as well as advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples within the City of Red Deer and the surrounding area. We have been in operation since 2018 and officially gained our non-profit status in 2020. We believe that it is important to provide visibility and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples within Central Alberta, and hope that in doing so, those individuals will understand that they are not alone and that we stand together with them.
Despite having only moved to Red Deer in 2017, Rhys and Alex quickly became a part of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Rhys and Alex formally took over coordination of the RDPL's Youth Pride program in December 2017, hosting monthly meetups at the downtown branch until November 2019.
During that time, they realized there was also a need for adult-oriented events, and created the Adult Group in April 2018. RDQCA received full non-profit status in 2020.
THE "Q" WORD
Alex and Rhys chose to use the word “Queer” for RDQCA, fully aware of its history and the word’s tenuous use within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. However, they believe that in using a reclaimed word, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community can also reclaim a place in this city that so many within the community believe has been lost to them.
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
- Oscar Wilde
Our Mission
Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples in Red Deer and the surrounding areas through community-building and education initiatives to draw the community as a whole out of social marginalization, isolation, and discrimination.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide an inclusive and safe space for all 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples within Central Alberta and to become a queer hub between the communities in Calgary and Edmonton.
Our objectives
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To build a foundation of community through the sustained development and implementation of events and initiatives.
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To provide a space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and adults alike to be themselves.
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To increase general awareness among all categories of people on 2SLGBTQIA+ health and related problems, with specific attention to youth.
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To work with businesses and government bodies in implementing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive practices within their own organizations.
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To increase collaboration plans with other organizations, bodies or individuals whether municipal, provincial, or national but having advocacy strategies for a similar cause as laid in our constitution.
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To provide assistance to individuals within the community who are undergoing the legal name change process.
