Visualize "a new normal" cancelling out our LGBTQ community rainbows and no local pride celebrations. This gives way to a lack of safe gathering (virtual & public) spaces where our LGBTQ community can be their authentic selves.
The North Shore Pride Alliance (NSPA) has unfortunately received notice that all of our funding for 2020 has been dropped. Now is the time to reach out to you, our supporters, our community. In the wake of the pandemic, funds are low for everyone especially those organizations which rely on grants and financial funding to support our local LGBTQ2+ neighbourhood communities across the North Shore from Deep Cove through Lonsdale to Park Royal including Lions Bay.
WHO WE ARE:
The North Shore Pride Alliance (NSPA) is a small, local organization supporting the North Shore LGBTQ2S+ community from Lions Bay through to Deep Cove. The North Shore is growing quickly and alongside that growth comes demand for support of LGBTQ2S+ citizens of all ages. There are a few Gay Straight Alliances (GSA's) in local schools and post-secondary institutions, however LGBTQ2+ community leadership is needed to ensure equality, dignity, advocacy and acceptance of LGBTQ2S+ people within the heart of our neighbourhoods and communities.
WHAT WE DO:
The NSPA supports the City of North Vancouver
Council’s vision of a City for People welcoming diversity,
inclusivity, accessible and safe while supporting the health and
well-being of all.
We have held community events recognizing the
50 year anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in
Canada, a flag raising ceremony honouring our trans community at City
Hall within the City of North Vancouver, a local business visual Pride
Support program during Pride Week as well as a City of North Vancouver
proclamation against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
These events have proven the need for our organization through
storytelling and comments from people in our communities who have told
us their coming out stories, shared anxiety around coming out,
conversations with parents and friends discussing the lack of safe
gathering spaces where they can be their authentic selves.
LGBTQ2S+ people on the North Shore often feel isolated from
other community members and the NSPA is committed to creating a
vibrant LGBTQ2S+ community right here on the North Shore!
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
The NSPA is a social initiative creating
an LGBTQ2+ inclusive community within North and West Vancouver.
Through outreach, advocacy and movement, we unite the diverse populous
in solidarity to overcome challenges, break down barriers and
stereotypes. Thus, generating a safe, understanding and empowering
environment where we all have a sense of belonging.
WHAT'S NEXT:
With this proposal for financial support from you, our neighbours, our business leaders, friends and family, the NSPA can continue to form our annual partnership with the Vancouver Pride Society. Together, our biggest annual event Pride at the Pier can continue this year -virtually as we re-imagine PRIDE! With the continuing health pandemic, our event which North Vancouverites usually flock to meet, gather and safely celebrate our diverse community will be transformed to a virtual digital platform offering a two-hour LGBTQ2S+ inspired variety show. This new direction for our annual event will continue to offer our marginalized community an opportunity to still connect, aid, support and celebrate the LGBTQ2S+ community on the North Shore.
With this opportunity for your support, the North Shore Pride Alliance will be able to provide these valuable services to a community much in need. There are so many opportunities to be present and provide support for those who are unable to do it alone. We can do so much with your aid and support.
Respectfully yours, with Pride;
Gary Woods (He / His / Him)
Co-Founder / Ops Admin
Christopher Bolton / Conni Smudge
Co-Founder / PR Media
