donuts & conversations about 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in workplaces & public spaces

Thursday October 16th 2025
6:30pm arrival, 7pm-9pm

101 Bear Street, Banff
Inside Banff Library

(free focus group gathering)

This donuts & conversations gathering is a focus group designed to center queer lived experience.

Together we’ll share stories, name barriers, and imagine what real inclusion could look like in our workplaces and public spaces.

You are welcome to participate in any way that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to share or speak if you’d rather just listen and be present.

Themes from these conversations will be anonymized and shared with Bow Valley employers, helping us advocate for more 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive practices in workplaces and community spaces.

 click here to register (FREE)

who is this for?
this event is for 2SLGBTQIA+ people living and working in the Bow Valley. all ages. 

it is not for allies or workplace HR leaders/executives as we want to ensure this space feels safe for 2SLGBTQIA+ attendees to share openly about their experiences.

why this matters
this gathering is part of Frankie D’s lived experience series of donuts & conversations… designed to center the voices of people who are too often left out of decision-making. by coming together, 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Bow Valley can shape the systems that too often exclude or dismiss us.

what to expect

  • owner of Frankie D’s Donuts & event facilitator, Mak Rogers (they/he), will start with welcome, introductions and grounding around how the information will be used. 
  • people will gather in small table groups, with a member from the Canmore or Banff Pride board at each table to guide the discussion and take notes so your insights are captured.
  • you’ll have a chance to share your experiences in response to guided questions. questions will include both challenges and moments of safety, inclusion, or allyship that others could learn from. 
  • each person at a table with have an opportunity to share at their table, but speaking is voluntary and you can always pass to the next person. 
  • donuts and drinks will be available throughout.


how the information will be used

  • notes will be gathered from table conversations (without attaching names or any identifying details).
  • Scale Naturally will synthesize the feedback into a report of key themes, insights, and recommendations.
  • a public report of key findings will be shared back with Bow Valley Pride Network and the broader community.
  • Scale Naturally will also create a second report with recommendations for change in workplaces and public spaces, drawing from both challenges and successes. this will be used by them to advocate for practical systems and policy changes across the Bow Valley.
  • your individual contributions will remain anonymous unless you explicitly choose otherwise.


Contact Us
For questions or accommodations, email Mak at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com (at least 48 hours before the event).

Event Feedback
We value your feedback! You can share it through a feedback form at the event, or email Mak afterward at hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.

Thank you to our collaborating partners, Banff & Canmore Pride.
Thank you for providing funding; Banff Canmore Foundation & the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation.

 Click here to register (FREE)