Wood Buffalo Pride Rainbow Spaces Initiative
About
Wood Buffalo Pride's Rainbow Spaces initiative promotes and fosters safer and more inclusive spaces, organizations, and businesses for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Wood Buffalo. Organizations and businesses that have taken specific steps outlined by the initiative receive Rainbow Spaces designation and receive public recognition for their commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Equal access to services, employment, and facilities without discrimination, harassment, or abuse is protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Human Rights. Providing safe and accessible facilities and services is necessary for public safety, client satisfaction, and employee retention. Inclusive spaces can decrease anxiety and fear when using facilities and there is less chance of harassment or assault, which is often the reality for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
rECOGNITION & Support
Organizations that have completed the requirements of the Rainbow Spaces initiative will be publicly recognized for their commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
This includes:
- A framed Rainbow Space Certificate
- A Rainbow Space Sticker decal for your physical space and digital sticker for your website/social media
- Recognition on Wood Buffalo Pride's social media pages
- Listed on our directory of Rainbow Spaces posted publicly on our website
- Recognition at the annual Wood Buffalo Pride Festival
Ongoing Support
Our support doesn't end after you are certified. We are here for our Rainbow Spaces as a resource for the entirety of your three-year certification term! If you encounter a situation you need support or guidance with, we are here to help. This could be a new employee or client who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who you're not sure how to support, a new policy you are creating, or any other relevant questions or issues.
In September 2025 we are also launching a monthly Rainbow Space Roundtable for all of our Rainbow Space organizations to network, share, and ask questions. Stay tuned for more info!
Need volunteers for an event or fundraiser? We would love to support our Rainbow Space organizations and share your volunteer calls with our Wood Buffalo Pride volunteer network.
Staff TRAINING
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
INCLUSIVE POLICIES
All staff have taken an Inclusivity Training Workshop on 2SLGBTQIA+ terms, human rights, and inclusive practices, offered through Wood Buffalo Pride or other 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations with comparable training (minimum 4 hours of training).
INCLUSIVE POLICIES
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
INCLUSIVE POLICIES
We require the following policies to be in place organization-wide:
1. Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policy that specifically lists sexual orientation, gender
identity, and gender expression as protected grounds.
2. Dress Code Policy requirements are gender-neutral and universal (i.e. dress codes are not separated based on gender identit
We require the following policies to be in place organization-wide:
1. Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policy that specifically lists sexual orientation, gender
identity, and gender expression as protected grounds.
2. Dress Code Policy requirements are gender-neutral and universal (i.e. dress codes are not separated based on gender identity).
3. Inclusive Washroom and Change Room Policy that states all individuals are free to use the washroom that best suits their self-identified gender identity and/or gender expression.
INCLUSIVE DOCUMENTS
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
All client, public, student, volunteer, and employee forms and documents (ex. intake forms, registration forms, hiring packages, Employee Handbooks) use gender inclusive language wherever possible.
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES*
Availability of single stall washrooms that are gender inclusive/gender neutral are accessible to the public and employees, and availability of gender neutral change rooms (when applicable). If gender neutral washrooms and/or change rooms are not possible in your physical location, ensure signage is updated to reflect the facilities avail
Availability of single stall washrooms that are gender inclusive/gender neutral are accessible to the public and employees, and availability of gender neutral change rooms (when applicable). If gender neutral washrooms and/or change rooms are not possible in your physical location, ensure signage is updated to reflect the facilities available (i.e. toilet, toilet + urinal, baby change table, etc.) as opposed to gender icons.
This program is made possible through funding from the RMWB.
