Community Engagement & Belonging (CEB) Program

To join the CEB Program, individuals must meet all of the following:

1. • Identify as LGBTQIA+, including transgender, non-binary, intersex, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning
2. • Be currently living in British Columbia
3. • Have refugee, Protected Person, resettled, or displacement-related immigration status and not be eligible for mainstream settlement services
4. • Be seeking community, connection, or guidance while settling into life in Canada
5.  

Note: This program is not intended for international students, visitors, or individuals with temporary status unrelated to forced displacement.

Social Cafés & Peer Gatherings

1. • Weekly social cafés where members relax, play games, and build friendships in a low-barrier setting
2. • Seasonal celebrations, movie nights, and member-only social events
3. • A collaborative Garden Group where members grow food and community together
4. • Support to march in the Vancouver Pride Parade with Rainbow Refugee
5.  

Educational Opportunities & Skill-Building

1. • Life-skills workshops on: Filing taxes in Canada, knowing your rights and responsibilities, understanding tenant rights and housing systems
2. • Learning spaces to connect with peers while gaining new knowledge
3. • Guest sessions led by community educators and professionals on topics like: Education and post-secondary options, Employment and job searching, Sexual health and HIV prevention, Healthy masculinities, Movement and dance workshops.
4.  

Free Tickets & Community Events

1. • Free tickets to live shows, festivals, art exhibits, and local cultural events
2. • Group outings that make it easier to explore and enjoy life in Vancouver together
3.  

Belonging & Connection

1. • Peer-led storytelling, arts-based activities, and open discussions
2. • Community meals and social events that center joy and relationship-building
3. • A safe, affirming space to be yourself and find chosen family
4.  

Community Engagement & Leadership

1. • Opportunities to co-create and lead community events
2. • Public speaking and peer leadership support
3. • Pathways to volunteer or become a peer connector with Rainbow Refugee

At the heart of the CEB Program are three peer-led groups — created and led by LGBTQIA+ refugees, for LGBTQIA+ refugees. These spaces foster trust, cultural connection, and leadership from within.

SuperCrew

A closed space for trans, nonbinary, gender non-conforming and gender-diverse newcomers to connect, build support networks, and access affirming care.

Corazón Latino
A monthly Spanish-language gathering for LGBTQIA+ refugees and newcomers from Latin America to celebrate identity, culture, and community.