Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia.
Hi Nadia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rainbow Spaces was created by a group of Guardians who saw the need for queer representation in underrepresented communities. We wanted to create a space where our youth could feel connected to peers without fear or harassment. With the support of our East and South County communities, we created events that brought together youth whose intersectional identities often kept them from the affirmation they deserve.
Our organization now hosts monthly and yearly events, including one of the largest inclusive proms in the county. Ensuring our events remain accessible regardless of economic, physical, cultural, or familial barriers is part of our ongoing passion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While our initial events began with a surprising bang, with dozens turning out for our Queer Swim Days, we hit obstacles with our growth. When our South and East County youth shared that they didn’t feel comfortable at their school dances, we sought to create a formal that felt inclusive to everyone. We rented the public hall in Coronado based on accessibility and cost, only to have our approval revoked a month before our event. We pushed back at City Hall and found allies in some of Coronado’s Council Members. The permit was reissued (at a higher cost), and our first-ever Rainbow Soiree was a rousing success.
The Rainbow Soiree is now our most successful annual event, and like our annual October Rainbow Ride, serves as a reminder of the resilience of our rainbow community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am proud of the work and the impact our organization makes. I am most proud that our success forces people to acknowledge that queer folx don’t exist solely in Hillcrest, nor do they all have the same concerns. Inclusion means recognizing all differences, even those you may not fully understand.
How do you define success?
Success is the positive impact you are able to generate within the community you exist. If most people speak fondly of you, then you are probably doing something right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rainbowspaces.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowspacessb
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbow_spaces
Image Credits
All our pictures were taken with the permission of the participants. Just a note that we do not take pictures of our youth at the events to ensure they are not outed against their will.
