It was a successful turnout at the local International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHTB) gathering, says one of the event organizers.
On May 17th, the Gender Diversity Inclusion program at Howe Sound Women's Centre hosted a free barbecue cookout in its newly revamped outdoor space.
"The purpose of these gatherings is to cultivate safer and more inclusive spaces for marginalized community members and allies to come together for an opportunity to connect with one another and with our organization," said Jordana Dallaire-Diaz, gender, diversity and inclusion outreach worker with the Centre.
"This gives us all a chance to share the space, discuss resources, and answer any and all questions without judgment."
Close to 30 people from both the community and the organization volunteered their time, participated in breakout conversations, and learned more about the program as well as the Centre's ongoing collaboration with other LGBTQ2S+ organizations in Squamish, such as Pride Squamish, and Sea to Sky Allies, Dallaire-Diaz added.
IDAHTB started in 2004 to "draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex people, and all of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics," according to the international event website may17.org.
This Squamish barbecue is the first of many events planned locally for this summer, as Pride month is celebrated nationally in June.
Stay tuned, Dallaire-Diaz said.
