Saturday, June 27, 2026 ~ 9am to 5pm
A one day conference empowering 2SLGBTQI+ voices and building an inclusive community united in love.
Workshops for Everyone: Youth, Adults, Caregivers, Allies ~ Come as you are, Everyone is Welcome!
Registration Fees:
Students/Youth: $20
Adults: $40
Subsidized Registration: If the cost is beyond your means, we invite you to select this option $10.00
REGISTRATION OPEN - Click here!
Conference Schedule & Workshops: Scroll down!
To make a donation, click the Donation Button, in the dropdown box select "Empowering Voices Donation" or send an e-transfer to donations@inletunited.ca noting Empowering Voices in the notes.
Conference Schedule & Workshops
Registration with refreshments (8:15am to 8:45am)
- Sign up for your workshops
- Enjoy complimentary refreshments
- Mingle & visit our information tables
Welcome & Introductions (9am to 9:15am)
- Brief introductions and welcome in the Sanctuary Gathering Space
Morning Block 1 (9:30am to 10:45am)
Sanctuary Gathering Space: Poetry as Advocacy (Presenter: Aaron @ Tri Cities Poetry)
Multipurpose Room: Becoming Real; What to Expect in Transition (Presenter: Lisa Salizar)
Mountain View Room: Losses that occur with Change (Presenter: Kevin Hegseth)
Mural View Room: Quiet Space for reflection and support (Rev Lauren Kirkey)
Morning Block 2 (11am to 12:15pm)
Sanctuary Gathering Space: Art Animation (Presenter: Stace Chomiak)
Multipurpose Room: Trans Coming Out Journey; Supporting trans kids (Presenter: Heather McCain)
Mountain View Room: Rainbow Refugee - History, programs and how you can be involved. (Presenter: Norma Rhayem)
Mural View Room: Quiet Space for reflection and support (Rev Lauren Kirkey)
Lunch Break (12:15pm to 1:15pm)
- Light refreshments will be available, we encourage you to pack a lunch.
- Local coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance
Afternoon Block 1 (1:30pm to 2:45pm)
Sanctuary Gathering Space: Navigating gender-affirming care resources for Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people, their families & communities. (Presenters: Lucas Wilson and KJ Kendall from Trans Care BC)
Multipurpose Room: Online Forum; Live on AV monitor - more details to come!
Mountain View Room: Acceptance & Affirmation (Presenter: Lauren Kirkey)
Mural View Room: Quiet Space for reflection and support (Rev Kevin Hegseth)
Afternoon Block 2 (3pm to 4:15pm)
Sanctuary Gathering Space/Multipurpose Room: Panel (all participants encouraged to attend)
Mural View Room: Quiet Space for reflection and support (Rev Kevin Hegseth)
Closing Celebration (4:30pm to 5pm-ish)
- Thank you and reflection on the day
- Cake to celebrate our day!
Meet the Workshop Presenters
Workshop: Becoming Real; What to Expect in Transition
Time: 9:30am to 10:45am
More details to come...
Workshop: Losses that occur with Change
Time: 9:30am to 10:45am
About the Workshop:
Any change can cause grief. Even a good change. Learning how to experience the loss without losing ourselves is the key to finding some inner peace. There are several tools one can learn and use in order to grow through the pain of loss.
Workshop: Poetry as Advocacy
Time: 9:30am to 10:45am
More details to come...
Workshop: Art Animation
Time: 11am to 12:15pm
About Stace:
HI, I’M STACE!
I identify as a lesbian woman of faith, an artist, an author & a mom. Call me “Stace”! My pronouns are she/her. Outside of books & animation, I love public speaking about LGBTQ+ and faith issues.
Workshop: Trans Coming Out Journey; Supporting trans kids
Time: 11am to 12:15pm
More details to come...
Workshop: Rainbow Refugee - History, programs and how you can be involved.
Time: 11am to 12:15pm
About Norma:
Norma Lize Rhayem, a transgender activist and advocate from the SWANA region. Her activism started when she was studying journalism and communication arts, leading to her involvement with LGBTQIA+ organizations in the SWANA region and worldwide. Her lived experience, and work in Media and the Non-profit sector helped her to raise the voice about LGBTQIA+ issues around the world. Since relocating to Vancouver, she continues to fight for the rights of the trans community. She worked as a Sponsorship Coordinator at Rainbow Refugee, a Peer Facilitator at Mosaic, and a co-trainer at QMUNITY. Norma is currently working as a Communications Manager at Rainbow Refugee Society and is working on developing training materials to help raise awareness in workplaces and communities.
Workshop: Navigating gender-affirming care resources for Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people, their families & communities
Time: 1:30pm to 2:45pm
About the Workshop:
Finding accurate information and connecting with relevant services related to trans health and wellness can be challenging. Lucas Wilson and KJ Kendall from Trans Care BC will be presenting an orientation to resources for transgender, Two-Spirit and non-binary people, their families, caregivers and loved ones to support individuals and their supporters in better understanding supports that are our there and how to access them.
Workshop: Live online Forum
Time: 1:30pm to 2:45pm
More details to come...
Workshop: Acceptance & Affirmation
Time: 1:30pm to 2:45pm
More details to come...
Sponsorship Information:
Click pdf below for full information
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Office - Meet Rev Jenn
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Sanctuary - Sunday Worship