First, can you tell us what your group is about, and what you do?
The Pender Island Pride Society exists to support the Pender Island LGBTQ2S+ population by organizing and hosting Pride events on Pender Island, as well as supporting social justice and equality initiatives locally and beyond.
We also build social and support networks within the LGBTQ2S+ community and foster positive connections and relationships with the broader population, as well as help LGBTQ2S+ youth achieve their full and authentic potential by supporting community- and school-based initiatives and programs that create a safe environment for them to flourish in.
When was the Pender Island Pride Society started, and what sparked it?
The inaugural Pender Island Pride (2019) was first conceived by an island mom (Sarah Rae) to show her daughter and other local LGBTQ2S+ and questioning youth that they live in a welcoming and supportive community in which they can live their truth authentically and safely.
The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from across the islands’ community made it a great success. It forged new connections, friendships, and opportunities for collaboration with other community groups and initiatives and has paved the way for the future.
Do you produce any community events or initiate special projects? If so, what do you typically sponsor or promote?
We produce the Pender Island Pride Parade and Festival. We also hold other smaller events like the Pride Cidery Picnic, the Pride Golf Tournament, and Pride Movie Nights.
How often do you get together, and typically when? Can new members join anytime?
We get together typically every two weeks right now, especially in the months before Pride. New members are welcome all the time.
Are any of the original founders still taking part, or still on Pender? If so, tell us a bit about them.
The original board has moved on; they are still PIPS members, and on the island, but they have made space for new board members and new energy and ideas. Only two people remain from the original board, Jon Heaney and John Cowan.
How many volunteers are involved in running it? Are you currently looking for more?
Always looking for volunteers. Right now we are about 23 volunteers running Pride.
What gets your members most excited in your meetings or activities?
When new positive connections are made among the LGBTQ+ community and the larger local community.
Is there a story or anecdote about PIPS you’d like to share with readers?
The PIPS encountered some resistance at the beginning when organizing the first Pride but now all we get from the local community is support and love! That’s a big win for our island.
What’s in the future for your organization? Anything exciting in the works, or dreams you would like to fulfill?
We hope to keep organizing Pride events in the years to come, to celebrate but also to keep vigilant. Pride events are an important part of remaining vigilant that hard-won rights are not stolen away.
Are there any special contributions you would like to highlight?
Promoting safe spaces and events for our LGBTQ+ community, and the community at large so everyone feels included.
How can people get in touch with you?
The best way is by visiting our website, which is full of information about who we are, memberships, and future events, or by emailing us. Our socials are a great way to keep in touch as well.
http://www.penderislandpride.com penderislandpride@gmail.com