QTWELL

Queer and Trans Graduate Students Wellness (QTWELL) is an open, drop-in group for any graduate student who is a sexual and gender minority or identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

The group is facilitated by a counsellor with lived experience in the area and will focus on the many different aspects of wellness.

Topics can organically develop each group in an intentionally supportive space and may include but are not limited to: navigating intersectional Identities, racism, coming out in the workplace or families, mental health, navigating relationships with students, peers and supervisors, internalized homo/bi/transphobia, transgender and non-binary wellness, two-spirit wellness, setting boundaries, substance use, sex and relationships, self-care, self-reflection etc.

Facilitators

Spencer Small (he/him) I am a happily married gay man and counsellor at the University of Waterloo. I love cooking, hiking, camping and spending time with friends.  I have been working with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community for over eight years. As a former graduate student, I know just how tough those years can be, trying to balance academics, family dynamics, friendships, intimate relationships, finances, and identity, all the while trying to take care of your wellness – it's A LOT.  I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Tyler Riepert (he/him) I am a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I hold an Honours Degree in Psychology as well as a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and have a passion for providing evidence-based care using empathy and compassion. I proudly identify as a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community and have professional experience working with marginalized populations. As a former graduate student myself, I appreciate how difficult it can be to manage academics with your personal life and overall well-being. As such, I want to provide a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to talk about daily hardships, stories of resiliency and personal success, as well as any other topics that may be on your mind.

Washington Silk (they/them), I am a transgender and queer therapist and social worker. I have had the pleasure of working and learning from and with the queer and trans community for over the past decade. I am a white settler from Alberta. I also have lived experience of ADHD, learning disabilities. My life experiences inform my approaches and motivation for supporting students during this unique time of growth in many students lives. Outside of work I love dogs, science fiction, cheese, miniature things and good conversations.

Rania Ibrahim Ambrad (she/her) Hello!! I’m a queer, neurodivergent, disabled, Palestinian-Egyptian and Filipino cis-woman of colour, Registered Social Worker and counsellor at Counselling Services (that’s a mouthful!). I am fresh out of grad school for my Master of Social Work (‘23) and I am the first person in my family to pursue and achieve a graduate degree. My multiple intersecting identities, lived experience, and pursuit for inner peace have led me to the person and professional I am so proud to be today. 

Grad school was ROUGH. The hardest thing I’ve put myself through so far. Nonetheless, I did it. Because I’m badass. And also because I found community in a graduate student group similar to this one. I hope to share with you some laughs, warm and fuzzies, solidarity, and my imperfect authentic self.

Who can join?

This is an open group, where any graduate student who is a sexual and gender minority or identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities may drop in for good conversation and support to promote student wellness.

When and how do we meet?

This group meets virtually, every other Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.