Some Squamish residents hope more people in the community will soon be able to wave their rainbow flags with pride.
Vancouver has its gay pride parade, Whistler has its pride ski week, and now on May 9, Squamish will have an all day “Someone Like Me” conference on and celebration of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other (LGBTQ+).
Safe ’n’ Sound Squamish, a newly formed group of LBGTQ+ and straight allies is spearheading the event that will include workshops, panel discussions, entertainment and a keynote speech by popular Canadian comedian, Elvira Kurt.
“Something like this would have been a huge asset for me, growing up here.
I felt alone, I didn’t think there was anyone else like me,” said Trevor Blackman-Wulff. “I am glad to see the community opening up.”
Students from Howe Sound Secondary School’s Diversity Club have been a driving force behind the event. Originally the idea was floated to host a Squamish pride parade, but the students in the club thought that would be too limited.
“The big thing [from the students] was we want visibility, we want to see people in the community, we need more resources,” said Margo Dent, one of the 10 planners of the event. Dent also launched the Diversity Club at the high school.
“It is about action, it isn’t about come and learn and don’t do anything.”
The event is open to everyone and will aim to build bridges between people whether gay or straight, according to Dent.
At the end of the conference there will be a call to action, Dent said, where those in attendance will be asked what they can commit to do within their homes, businesses and lives to spread awareness and make Squamish more welcoming to people of all sexual orientations and identities.
So far, Safe ’n’ Sound has been embraced by the academic community – Quest University students are involved – and many in the business community have been happy to contribute funds to the event, according to members of the group.
“But this is an expense and we want to do it right and very professionally, so obviously fundraising is a top priority,” said group founder Brian Vincent.
Safe ’n’ Sound Squamish is in the process of applying to become a registered non-profit society. The group’s main goal is to create and support more resources for the community, according to Vincent. One of the founders’ long-term dreams is to have something bricks-and-mortar in Squamish that would be a lasting legacy.
“I am hoping it grows into some kind of a place, an actual physical place for people to gather,” said Marion von Dehn, a social worker and group member. “It would allow [LGBTQ+] to have an alternative place to go that would provide for more of a community base.”
But for now, the members of Safe ’n’ Sound are focused on putting the finishing touches on the details of the May event.
To donate to Safe ’n’ Sound Squamish call 604-849-0889. For more information on the group go to their Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/safensoundsquamish
