Who We Are
Building sustainable, intentional systems that ensure lasting support for queer people in our region is a long-term commitment—
and we’re ready to meet the challenge.
Land Acknowledgement
Our work to support the safety, joy, and thriving of the queer community is deeply tied to understanding the intersections of identities held by queer individuals across these lands. Queer liberation is intertwined with all those who require liberation from oppressive systems - systems deliberately designed to suppress and erase communities that do not conform to colonial, capitalist, christian ideals. These efforts include attempts to erase pre-contact queer Indigenous identities and ways of being.
While queerness has been named differently throughout time, culture, and locations, it has always existed. Colonialism has distorted the fluid nature of sex, gender, and sexuality, enforcing rigid binaries through systems of law, education, media, and policy. Despite the ongoing harms of colonialism, Indigenous cultures and queerness have persisted. While we cannot change this history, we can envision and build beyond it. Together, we can create systems rooted in equity, justice, and a shared commitment to rebuilding in a way that honors the interconnectedness of all identities and the lands we inhabit.
Coastal Queers is committed to supporting the revitalization of queer Nuu-chah-nulth language, listening and learning from queer Nuu-chah-nulth ways of knowing, and uplifting queer Nuu-chah-nulth voices. We gratefully accept the ongoing responsibility to practice the stewardship laws set out by the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ ḥaw̓iiḥ.
Founders Statement
Queer is a word with endless meanings, and infinite possibilities about how it can be realized. Queerness has existed for as long as humans have existed, even if it has been named something different throughout history. It exists everywhere, even if it is not visible to everyone; underground, in relationships, in the land, and in ourselves.
However, the presence of queerness and the visibility of queerness are not the same thing. Prior to the creation of Coastal Queers in early 2021, the coast was sorely lacking the feeling of community for queer folks. There was little to no recognition of queer people in Tofino and the barriers that we experienced; no community groups, no queer events, unsafe access to healthcare, exclusionary infrastructure, and little effort through municipal leadership to recognize that queer people are a marginalized community that experiences our own unique set of systemic barriers which require dedicated resourcing to address these challenges.
Coastal Queers was born out of a refusal to accept this reality. We exist to advocate on behalf of the needs of the queer community, create resources and events for queer folks, and provide education for the community about queerness, compassion, and equity. We are deeply grateful for the support that has fueled Coastal Queers’ journey since the organization’s creation in early 2021. In just a few years, we’ve grown from a grassroots effort into a vital and rapidly expanding organization serving the queer community in our region. Thanks to the care and labour of our founders, volunteers, and supporters, we’ve made strides in creating a stronger, more visible queer presence. Yet, we know there’s more work ahead. Building sustainable, intentional systems that ensure lasting support for queer people in our region is a long-term commitment—and we’re ready to meet the challenge.
Today, Coastal Queers is growing rapidly, with big ideas for the future. We are driven by an unwavering dedication to closing the gap between our vision and reality. We invite you to join us in this work — co-creating a community that is resourced, supportive, and compassionate.
With care,
Sully (they/them) and John (he/him)
Mission
Coastal Queers is a local non-profit organization committed to creating resources, increasing representation, and connecting queer folks in our community.
Vision
Coastal Queers envisions a well-supported & abundantly-resourced community rooted in collective care, where everyone has equitable access to the material needs, physical, mental and emotional supports, and connection needed to live with dignity and joy.
Values
We believe that better ways of caring for each other, building systems, and communicating are possible — ways that go beyond the societal and economic systems currently dominating the western world.
This belief highlights the power of grassroots efforts and community self-determination. We believe that when communities decide where resources should go, they can effectively meet their needs in meaningful and impactful ways.
We also challenge the idea that the harmful systems we operate under are the only option. There are always alternatives, and we are committed to imagining and working toward a future where those alternatives create space for care, connection, and equity.
Critical Thinking
At Coastal Queers, we believe critical thinking is essential for interrupting harm and creating meaningful change. It helps us question what exists, who it benefits, and carefully build something new — something intentional, sustainable, and truly beneficial for everyone.
We value non-binary thinking as part of this process. When we rush to label things as “right” or “wrong,” “good” or “bad,” or “us” versus “them,” we often miss the nuance and complexity of people, relationships, systems, and societies. Binary thinking limits our ability to see multiple truths and can deepen divides rather than bridge them
Practicing critical and non-binary thinking means taking the time to respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting quickly. It involves considering context — both current and historical — listening to diverse perspectives, and making decisions that aim to create the most benefit while minimizing harm.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
At Coastal Queers, we see accountability as an act of care and transparency. This means holding ourselves accountable, holding others accountable, and being open to others holding us accountable.
We recognize that community work is done by people, and people make mistakes. Accountability allows us to address harm, whether intended or not, with humility and gratitude for the chance to make things right and grow from the experience.
Our approach is guided by the belief that impact and intent are different, and we prioritize impact when navigating conflict. Unconscious harm is still harm, and we aim to address it thoughtfully and with care. When harm occurs, our process prioritizes honest and open communication, with the shared goal of repairing relationships and moving forward in a better way. This is how we nurture trust, care, and connection in our community. However, we also respect our capacity, and do not engage with individuals or groups unwilling to take accountability for their actions.
Growth:
We believe growth is essential for creating safer, more connected, and more compassionate communities. Growth happens when education and empathy come together, and it’s important to embrace the ability to change our minds when we’re presented with new information.
We understand that harmful ideas are often learned through systems rooted in oppression. While it’s not an individual’s fault for having internalized these beliefs, it is everyone’s responsibility to unlearn them. Growth allows us to move forward together, guided by empathy and care, toward a future where accountability and collaboration are central to building a better world. By allowing space for growth in ourselves and others, we create the opportunity for meaningful and lasting change.