No barriers to being yourself

Jun 1, 2023

Northern Mosaic Network builds safer, more inclusive communities for 2SLGBTQIPA+

“I want people to know they can ask us the things they feel they can’t ask anyone else,” says Chelsea Thacker, Executive Director at the Northern Mosaic Network. The fear of using outdated terms or being judged is not something to worry about when receiving peer support at the NMN.

Individuals who are questioning their identities, families, or allies get paired with a qualified person who understands what they are going through with open ears, compassion, and solid advice. Meetings are held in a safe place, designed to take the conversation off the street. This is where people can ask their real questions that come up when facing anything 2SLGBTQIPA+* related so that they can move forward with confidence.

Chelsea Thacker, Executive Director of the Northern Mosaic Network

Chelsea leads an ambitious team of eight who work to bring the community many different resources. Among some of them are youth and adult programs, identity workshops, sector-specific training, support services and a wide range of events.

In fact, they are conducting Yellowknife’s first ever pride parade this June 18th –coming 52 years after Canada’s first ever pride parade in 1971. It's been a long journey, but the strides NMN has made in building acceptance and awareness in the Northwest Territories have been tremendous.

Peer Support Program

One of NMN's main ways to support the 2SLGBTQIPA+ community is through their Peer Support Program, available by Zoom, text message, phone, or in-person appointments.

A recent peer support success, the team was able to witness a young trans woman go from hiding in the shadows, to confidently coming out in the community.

“It was beautiful and exciting to see her get the courage to step outside of that box,” Chelsea beams.

Navigating transitioning in the workplace or appearing for the first time at public events can be a daunting experience for someone coming out, but the NMN is able to guide anyone feeling lost in their identity to courageously step into their own light and live in a more empowered way.

The NMN team making plans at the Rainbow Centre

With an ongoing mental health crisis and high rates of self-harm and suicide in the 2SLGBTQIPA+ community in NWT, the team’s strategy is to bring more awareness, understanding, and inclusivity to help all communities become a safer place for folks to be themselves. Providing peer support can be a demanding role, but volunteers are prepared to handle the emotional labour that is required to help.

Indigenous community support

“Indigenous youth take top priority in all our programs,” Chelsea says. But recognizing the need for more Indigenous focused programming has led NMN to plan to hold space in consultation with Two Spirit, Indigiqueer, queer & trans Indigenous people (2SIQTIP) in the NWT.

Hosting more intentional events and programs that support 2SIQTI people is in the works. For the first time, a new on-the-land gathering created for 2SIQTI people will be held in collaboration with Qmunity Camp NWT and 2 Spirits in Motion Society.

“As our organization grows with new support, we are able to create more programming and spread that outreach to communities outside Yellowknife,” explains Chelsea.

Northwestel & the Northern Mosaic Network

Northwestel is proud to partner with the NMN, having signed a two-year agreement.

Chelsea explains, “This has helped us to secure some technology to assist the Peer Support Program, making it easier to connect to those who don’t live in Yellowknife. It has also allowed us to provide additional compensation for mental health support for those who oversee the program.”

Pretty, Hannah and Claudia taking a selfie in front of the NMN brand

How to be an ally

Wondering how you can show your support? Chelsea notes there’s no need for grand gestures, “Simply being present, attending public events, sharing social posts, or attending training makes a difference. And remember, it’s not just during Pride month – it's all year.”

Other ways you can show support is by educating yourself and checking out their online pamphlets that were created in close consultation with 2SLGBTQIPA+ individuals. "We asked our 2SLGBTQIPA+ community how they wanted us to teach others about their identity or how they wanted to be treated in sports for example. It was a really successful project,” Chelsea says.

Visit www.northernmosaic.net for more information on upcoming summer events, workshops, trainings, and 2SLGBTQIPA+ resources.

* 2SLGBTQIPA+ stands for Two-Spirit people, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, + reflects the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify.