QMUNITY's Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Advisory Committee

QMUNITY’s Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Advisory Committee was formed to help guide our work in meaningful and accountable ways. This committee supports QMUNITY in strengthening programs, policies, and structures that advance Indigenization, Truth and Reconciliation, and inclusion for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer community members. The committee’s guidance helps ensure this work is grounded, informed, and led with care.

Scope of Work

The Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Advisory Committee helps guide QMUNITY’s efforts to establish, integrate, and enhance programs and structures that support Indigenization, advance Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, and promote inclusivity for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer community members within QMUNITY’s programs and policies.

Core responsibilities of the committee include:

• Advising on program development by providing strategic direction and feedback on QMUNITY’s existing programming, including contributions to new initiatives such as QMUNITY’s new building.

• Developing formal recommendations through collaboration with QMUNITY staff and fellow advisors to create thoughtful, actionable proposals that support the organization’s mission and mandate.

• Evaluating existing QMUNITY policies and offering informed recommendations to ensure alignment with values of inclusivity, Indigenization, and reconciliation.

• Informing and guiding cultural considerations for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer communities, including recommendations for appropriate implementation strategies across the organization.

This is a two-year initiative. The first phase runs from June 2025 to June 2026, and the second phase runs from June 2026 through June 2027.

Meet the Committee

Together Sempúlyan, Qani, Dani, and Tea bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, care, and commitment to this work.

Qani McKay-Reid (she/they)

Qani chose her name as a shortened version of her ancestral name, Q̓án̓iágḷis, which means “soaring throughout the world.” Born in Surrey, Qani lives proudly as a trans woman in her northern homelands of Bella Bella while maintaining kinship across the Coast Salish territory. She has an associate degree from NVIT and a bachelor’s from UBC and now works in philanthropy, supporting Indigenous-led nonprofits across BC and Turtle Island.

Qani is a passionate facilitator with dreams of becoming a lawyer. She attended QMUNITY events as a queer youth, completed a research practicum with us in 2021 and 2022, and has served in several advisory capacities. She is excited to formalize her role through this committee.

Sempúlyan Stewart Gonzales (he/him)

A Two-Spirit cis man, Sempúlyan is a Musqueam and Squamish Elder and Mentor and a survivor of Indian Day School and Residential School. Since 2006, Sempúlyan has been on a healing journey after attending a Choices seminar and has volunteered with Super Choices and Super Givers since then, healing and working through childhood trauma.

Sempúlyan completed an Aboriginal Child and Youth Care Diploma and now works with and supports 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in his nation. He has an extensive history of participation in Tribal Journeys (2009–2025) and Pulling Together Youth Canoe Journeys across BC. Sempúlyan is a board member of the Squamish Ocean Canoe Society and the Pulling-Together Canoe Society. He lives and breathes Squamish teachings and shares them with partner organizations dedicated to strengthening relationships.

Danielle Taralson (they/them)

Danielle is a Two-Spirit healer, taking on the mantle of healing generations of trauma through their body. They are passionate about empowering Indigenous youth and are committed to continual learning, accountability, and living decolonization as a daily practice. Danielle enjoys lounging in the sunshine and spending time on TikTok.

Tea Lovely Rosa (they/them)

Tea is of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Stó:lō, Hawaiian, Swiss, Irish, English, and German ancestries. They are a Two-Spirit human being, lifelong learner, and natural teacher who uplifts Indigenous knowledge, rejects colonial hierarchies, and nurtures holistic wellbeing of the heart, body, mind, spirit, land.

Tea manages garden projects out of X̱wemelch'stn pen̓em̓áy (Harmony Garden), a community garden based on Capilano reserve in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. They design inclusive and intentional workshops that engage communities. Since 2019, Tea’s work has been deeply interconnected with creating safer, more accessible spaces for Two-Spirit, gender-diverse, and trans community members. Tea enjoys capturing beautiful moments and being a “feral little fiend” in the fields on their days off.