The Queen’s University Association for Queer Employees (QUAQE) has been busy creating space at Queen’s for Queer communities.

QUAQE has connected with several Queer student, staff and alumni groups to create a Queer at Queen’s collaborative. Together, they hosted a booth at the Kingston Pride Community Fair in September, and QUAQE members and those in solidarity also marched in the parade. QUAQE has launched a new website, and hope that both the Kingston Pride events, and the website will help Queen’s members, and the broader community, learn about Queer spaces at Queen’s.

With the release of the new Harassment and Discrimination Policy at Queen’s, and the new In-Sight tool launched by the Human Rights & Equity Office, QUAQE is also hosting an open forum event for Queer employees to discuss the changes they would like to see at Queen’s, and challenges they have faced or witnessed. QUAQE launched an online needs assessment survey seeking feedback from Queer and Allied staff on education and outreach needs. Information from this survey will help QUAQE’s Education and Outreach subcommittee understand the needs of the Queer and ally community at Queen’s and provide resources, events, and supports that meet these needs.

QUAQE continues to hold Queer social space through Happy Hours which take place the first Friday of every month. Although these events are being held online during the pandemic, QUAQE is looking forward to hosting its first in-person Happy Hour in November.

If you’d like to get involved, or join our mailing list fur updates and event, or have any questions, please email quaqe@queensu.ca. 

About QUAQE:

QUAQE (Queen’s University Association for Queer Employees) is an Employee Resource Group (ERG) that supports Queer employees at Queen’s. QUAQE's purpose is to:

• Supply information and resources for Two-spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (2SLGBTQ+) employees of Queen’s at varying career and queer stages (new employees, newly queer/coming out employees, long-term employees, past employees).
• Developing a community from which to organize and advocate.
• Building a robust social and supportive community for Queer Employees at Queen’s which will act as a recruitment and retention strategy.
• Partnering with other ERGs through mentorship activities for career advancement, networking, and community supports (recognizing our intersectionality as employees).
• Provide professional development support to 2SLGTBQ+ employees through guest speakers, networking, and skills.