The six original members of Niagara Pride (formerly known as The GLBTQ Youth Coalition) began meeting in the spring of 1997 because of their shared concern over the lack of community support and services for youth who identify as gay and lesbian. In their professional lives these representatives from the gay community (and PFLAG) were working primarily with youth in the social service, education and justice sectors. Due to their extensive experience personally and professionally, they were able to identify issues such as homophobia, lack of awareness on the part of educators and service providers, and issues of isolation and bullying that were affecting GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning) youth across the Niagara Region.

INCORPORATION AND CHARITABLE STATUS

We achieved incorporation in February 2003, under the name `Niagara Pride Support Services Inc.' and received charitable status in May 2004.

The goal of the original group has remained the same, although our vision has been expanded through the success of the GLBTQ Youth Outreach Project. Our mission is to raise awareness of the issues facing GLBTQ youth in the Niagara region, educate the larger community about these issues and reduce the risk of harm to this population as a result of homophobia and discrimination and bullying; or self-harm because of isolation and negative self-concepts. In addition, our purpose is to provide supports for these young people in their schools, and in their communities, by creating partnerships with key organizations, institutions and service providers, and establishing safe spaces for young people.

VISION STATEMENT

We envision that GLBTQ youth in Niagara will feel safe and supported in dealing with their sexual orientation, gender identity and relationships within the context of their families and community.

VALUES STATEMENT

Niagara Pride will be valued in the Niagara Region for its leadership and innovation in supporting GLBTQ youth, their families and friends to live with dignity and inclusion in their community.

Our Achievements

SOME OF OUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Successfully applying for and receiving funding from the Ministry of Justice for the past two years has encouraged the members of Niagara Pride to double their efforts to make the youth project sustainable.

The greatest benefit of the project funding has been the Project Director who has managed to build strong partnerships and make the invisible needs of our youth visible to the community of Niagara.

As a result of the efforts of the Project Director, the GLBTQ project is asked for information and support from an increasing number of schools and community agencies.

As a result of the community-based events and the resulting awareness and support, an increasing number of GLBTQ youth are making a connection with the project and the services the project provides.

In terms of successes, the Project has exceeded expectations by the number of agencies that the youth project has worked with and the support generated. The Project Director has been asked to do many diverse things (like acting as a third party facilitator for counseling sessions with GLBTQ youth, and sitting on various action committees in the Region)

In addition, the types of services we offer are more diverse then initially planned, due to the interest and needs of youth in the community.

The Rainbow Squad youth drop-in group interest has grown more then 40% in attendance since the inception of the project and three of the Rainbow Squad youth were featured in a local Newspaper (The St. Catharines Standard). From the awareness generated by the newspaper article, The Rainbow Squad youth won a Community Awareness award that cited the courage of these youth who shared their experiences on the struggles of being gay and coming out. Undoubtedly, the biggest success is how the project has changed the lives of the GLBTQ youth with whom we work.