Guelph Arts Council had the pleasure of speaking with the team at Out on the Shelf. Here is what they had to say about their organization.
If someone was new to Guelph how would you describe OOTS and the role the organization plays in our community?
Out on the Shelf is Guelph-Wellington’s 2SLGBTQIA+ library and community resource centre. We offer an affirming, safe(r) space where folks can gather, find community, and access the resources they need. Earlier this month we celebrated the grand reopening of our new space, marking 21 years since we first opened our doors. We are deeply honoured to be continuing this work, alongside our community. Collaboration is integral to the work we do, and you can usually find us working with other community organizations to increase our reach and meet folks where they are at!
Out on the Shelf is clearly more than just a library, can you go into more detail about the various supports and services OOTS offers?
Out on the Shelf offers a variety of weekly and monthly drop-in programming to support our community in meaningful ways. Our weekly programming includes Trans and Gender Diverse drop-ins, offered both virtually and in-person at our library. These drop-ins offer a space for folks to chat in community, explore their gender identities, and find the support they need. We also host monthly programs such as Gaymes Night, Rainbow Crafters, Queer Writers Group, and Queer Parents Hangout.
Out on the Shelf also coordinates Guelph Pride, which includes two Pride festivals running for 10 days each – Winter Pride in February and Summer Pride in June. Both festivals typically include well over 40 events each in collaboration with several other organizations, performers, and organizers within the community. Our biggest event of the year is Pride in the Park, a free festival in Exhibition Park that includes information booths from community organizations, free food, toys, activities, and a bouncy castle for kids!
The Transcendence Project is our first funded initiative with the capacity to hire a paid staff team, which provided us with the ability to significantly increase our offerings. This project allows us to grow 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, connection and safety by delivering educational workshops for service providers and community organizations, developing educational resources, and mapping the queer histories and stories of this region. We also have a Community Events Calendar, a hub where folks can discover local queer events, or submit one of their own!
We’re committed to continuing to expand this constellation of offerings, knowing there’s so much more work to be done!
What do you think has changed most about OOTS since it first opened its doors in 2005?
The growth that OOTS has seen in its 21 years of history is truly impressive, especially considering that for 19 of those years it was entirely volunteer run. Over the years the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Guelph-Wellington has consistently come together to support, celebrate, and enjoy the variety of programs and services offered at Out on the Shelf.
What started as an initiative by the community to provide a space for people to come together has grown into a full-fledged social service organization, with the goal to empower the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Guelph-Wellington, enrich their lives, and make the region a better place for queer people to live.
That initial vision for what Out on the Shelf can be and provide for the community still lives on, but now that vision is being achieved through a broader variety of services than ever before. This is reflected by our recent move into our new space in the Old Quebec Street Shoppes at 55 Wyndham Street – as this move was a necessary step for us to take to be able to support our ever growing programming and resources.
What does it mean to have a dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ community space in Guelph?
It’s powerful. It means our community has a safe(r), affirming place to land, a space where you can show up as who you are. Our offerings help increase access, inclusion, and belonging. As a queer and trans-led organization, we know how meaningful it is to have the person beside you understand a bit of your experience, and reflect parts of your identity. Our space is abundant with intergenerational knowledge sharing that is far too often lost in our communities. We are constantly in awe of the stories and wisdom this brings forth. Having a physical space is also important for visibility, it’s a reminder that queer people have roots here, and continue to help build this region for generations to come.
How do you decide what resources and programming to bring into the space?
Through consultation with our community! Our programs, events, and workshops give us the opportunity to see what is most needed in this region. Through ongoing feedback, we are constantly finding ways to expand and refine our offerings to better serve our community.
Is there a book at OOTS that you think everyone should pick up at least once?
We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib is definitely a must read!
What is your favourite OOTS event or program?
A project we have been really excited about is the launch of a free Gender Affirming Gear Exchange Program for trans and gender-diverse community members in our region! Through this program, community members can drop off gear they no longer need, or take what they need. No questions asked.
What ways can individuals support OOTS?
There are so many ways you can support OOTS, and every contribution makes a difference. Share our work with your friends, family, and workplaces! You can also donate to our fundraiser to directly support us in continuing to grow our offerings, meet community needs, and increase our organizational capacity.
How can individuals get involved with OOTS?
OOTS would not be possible without our incredible team of volunteers. We are always looking for passionate folks to join our team. Check out our calls for volunteers and board members here!
Visit Out on the Shelf in person in Quebec Street Mall or at their website here.
