Ribbon Community, Dignity Seniors Society, and the Community-Based Research Centre are pleased to introduce Queer, Wise, and Inquisitive Collective (QWIC). It is program for all 2S/LGBTQIA+ people age 55+ to learn community-based research skills that actually work for our communities. On Tuesday nights starting in January, about 20 2S/LGBTQIA+ people age 55+ will meet weekly and:

  • Connect with other 2S/LGBTQIA+ seniors who share your curiosity
  • Learn from leaders in community-based research
  • Build your skills and your network (plus enjoy a meal at each meeting!)
  • Make a real difference by addressing questions that matter to you

Join QWIC by filling out this interest form.

We hope to welcome everyone who is age 55+, 2S/LGBTQIA+, and able to attend our program in person. 

This is a year-long commitment; with training, connection to other like-minded people and socializing with food provided—and the chance to contribute meaningful research while strengthening our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

To learn more about the program, contact: 

Jason Pinto, Program Coordinator

[email protected] or call 236-688-1303

 

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS!  🕵️

What is QWIC?

The Queer, Wise, and Inquisitive Collective (QWIC) is an in-person program open to all 2S/LGBTQIA+ people who are aged 55 and up. It is focused on connecting people who want to learn community-based research skills to support health among 2S/LGBTQIA+ people. 

Participants will learn practical CBR skills, connect with peers over weekly meals, and starting in April 2026, develop a community-based research project on a topic of their choice through the rest of the year.  It’s a chance to build community, gain new skills, and contribute to research that strengthens 2S/LGBTQIA+ senior inclusion.

This is the first time we are running this program for people aged 55 years and up. QWIC is an adaptation of the original program, known as the Investigaytors. This program, developed by the Community-Based Resource Centre (CBRC), has taken place across Canada over the past 10 years. 

There is a Community Advisory Committee of 2S/LGBTQIA+ seniors who are helping to turn the Investigaytors into a program for these communities. This group worked together to choose the name Queer, Wise, and Inquisitive Collective (QWIC). We are confident program participants will bring wisdom and inquisitiveness to the program. 

Who can participate in the program?

The program is for 2S/LGBTQIA+ adults aged 55+ who are able to attend an in-person English-language program in downtown Vancouver on Tuesday evenings, and who are interested in learning research skills, building community, and contributing to knowledge about our communities.

Are there community guidelines? Am I safe?

 

We work together with everyone who is part of the program to provide a safer space for all participants, where everyone is welcomed and all voices are heard. The importance of using inclusive, non-stigmatizing, and non-academic language is emphasized to ensure the project is accessible & respectful.  To help inform and guide this discussion, the Community Advisory Committee has adopted a commitment to strength-based language.  

Facilitators will address the impacts of language and actions that are harmful or may be harmful to our communities. Participants are encouraged to connect with each other and facilitators for questions around making the program welcoming and respectful, and a place where everyone can contribute and learn.

What criteria do we consider, when recruiting participants as Investigaytors?

  • Demographic representation of our community
  • Availability / commitment
  • Connection to the local 2S/LGBTQIA+ community
  • Optional: in some circumstances (aimed at creating a safer space), we may require a community reference

What is the time commitment?

The program kicks off with 10 weeks of in-person sessions on Tuesdays from 5-8 pm starting in late January 2026. These take place at Ribbon Community at 1101 Seymour St., Vancouver. 

After these first ten weeks, participants can work in small groups on research projects inspired by real life experience and the program content. This small group work will have more flexibility and is optional. We hope you’ll enjoy it and opt in! 

Throughout late 2026, we will have opportunities for participants to share back their findings. The first round of QWIC will wrap up by December 2026. Participants may choose to stay connected to other programs and/or people from QWIC beyond that. 

What will I learn?

We will cover a range of topics including:  

  • Designing a research question
  • Interviewing and survey skills
  • Working with community ethics and consent
  • Basic data collection and analysis
  • How to share research findings with community partners
  • Training is hands-on, collaborative, and grounded in community knowledge.

Do I need any research experience?

No prior experience is needed! The program is designed for beginners, and learning happens in a supportive, co-learning environment.

What is Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)?

CBPR is an approach that centers community voices, reduces power imbalances between researchers and participants, and ensures that the research benefits the community. It is:

  • Participatory
  • Cooperative
  • A co-learning process
  • Focused on building community capacity
  • Empowering
  • Balanced between action and research

QWIC follows these principles by involving seniors in every step—from learning to designing to sharing research.

What kinds of research projects might participants work on?

Projects are chosen by participants and may explore topics like:

  • Health and wellbeing of 2S/LGBTQIA+ seniors
  • Barriers to social inclusion
  • Access to affirming services
  • Experiences of aging, housing, or caregiving
  • Community supports and gaps

CBRC’s research team supports participants through every step.

What support will I receive?

Participants receive:

  • Weekly training sessions
  • All course materials
  • Staff support from CBRC’s research team
  • Opportunities to meet guest speakers and community leaders
  • A shared meal at each session
  • Guidance throughout the research project
  • Support preparing and sharing your findings

Is the program free?

Yes. Training, materials, food, and project support are all provided at no cost.

Is there compensation or honoraria?

This program does not provide financial compensation or honoraria. We do provide a weekly meal and access to the program at no cost to participants..

Where will the program take place?

Sessions will be held in-person only, at Ribbon Community, 1101 Seymour St., Vancouver, B.C. V6B 0R1.

How many participants will be selected?

Up to 20 participants will join the 2026 cohort.

What are the goals of the program?

All CBRC leadership programs aim to build BITE:

  • Build community connections
  • Improve health literacy
  • Train in practical skills
  • Empower participants to address community challenges

How does this program support social inclusion?

The program helps reduce social isolation by:

  • Connecting 2S/LGBTQIA+ seniors with peers
  • Building leadership and research skills
  • Empowering participants to create community-informed solutions
  • Highlighting seniors’ voices in local policy and service design

Is transportation provided?

Bus tickets will be provided.

What happens after the program ends?

Participants will have opportunities to:

  • Share research findings with community members and service providers
  • Stay connected with other programs and services at Dignity Seniors Society, Ribbon, and CBRC initiatives
  • Use their new skills in future community projects

How do I join?

Let us know you want to join the program by filling out You can fill out this Google Form: QWIC - Participant Expression of Interest. We hope to welcome everyone who is interested, space permitting.

What if I’m not sure I can commit for the full year?

We encourage applicants who can participate fully, but if you have concerns, please reach out—we can discuss your needs and find solutions where possible.

 

This program is funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program.