Extending our conversation from last month about having a transformative journey of studying at Queen’s, this month, we will cover another inclusive space and resource on campus. Yellow House is Queen’s University’s center for supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and 2SLGBTQ+ students. It provides a safe, welcoming environment where students can freely express themselves, celebrate their identities, and find the resources they need to succeed. The space is designed to empower students by providing programming, advocacy, and opportunities to engage with social justice initiatives.
Being a South Asian woman myself, I felt the warmth and support from their staff. The welcoming environment allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals, learn about various perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations. Below I discuss more about this space and the resources they provide.
Yellow House fosters a strong peer support network, allowing students to connect with trained peers who truly understand the complexities of navigating university life as BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ students. Support is available through one-on-one conversations, resource referrals, and collaborative advocacy initiatives that help students feel heard and supported. In addition, Yellow House organizes various workshops, discussions, and events throughout the year, focusing on essential topics such as identity, mental health, anti-racism, and social justice. These initiatives offer students the opportunity to learn, engage, and affirm their personal experiences in a safe and empowering environment. Beyond these programs, initiatives like Roots and Recipes, clothing provisions, and other essential accessories ensure that students feel supported not just emotionally, but in practical ways as well.
Yellow House is a dedicated physical space where students can study, relax, and socialize. With comfortable seating, study areas, and event spaces, it fosters an atmosphere of warmth and belonging, making it an essential retreat from the challenges of academic life.
We collaborated with Yellow House to celebrate our Indian festival Diwali, and their informal spaces made our celebration more comfortable. The ability to share our traditions in such a welcoming space reinforced the importance of cultural expression and community building at Queen’s.
For many students, university life can be overwhelming, especially when navigating issues of identity, belonging, and systemic inequities. Yellow House serves as an essential home away from home, where students can feel affirmed in their identities and supported in their personal and academic journeys. It is a space where students find their voice, build lifelong friendships, and engage in transformative conversations that extend beyond their time at Queen’s.
For more information, visit Yellow House’s website and follow their social media channels to stay updated on upcoming programs and initiatives. You can visit them at- 140 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2V8; 207 Stuart St 3rd Floor, Kingston, ON K7L 2V9