The continued spread of COVID-19 in Canada and around the world has understandably raised concerns regarding the well-being of members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and beyond. Everyone’s safety remains Capital Pride’s top priority as this situation continues to evolve. Capital Pride will continue to align its risk assessments and practices with the latest guidance from local, provincial and federal health authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada.
It is with heavy heart that Capital Pride has made the decision to postpone all upcoming planned community events in order to adhere to the advice of public health authorities. However, planning for the summer festival will continue with the tentative dates of August 23-30, 2020, whether it be physical or virtual programming. Capital Pride is committed to staying in contact with community partners to ensure that everyone receives timely information regarding any changes in programming.
In order to connect members of the community during this difficult time, Capital Pride will be reaching out to local 2SLGBTQ+ performers and artists in the coming weeks to create live streamed programming that maintains social distancing measures. More details will be announced soon.
“We are facing an unprecedented time with lots of uncertainty and many lost opportunities to socialize in queer spaces, to get together and celebrate our truth. However, our priority at this time is to ensure that we continue to support our 2SLGBTQ+ communities in the National Capital Region.”
OSmel guerra Maynes, capital pride executive director
Capital Pride thanks all 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in the National Capital Region for supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the region during their time of need. Additionally, Capital Pride urges the public to support, where possible, the many queer-owned businesses, performers, and artists that are going through a challenging time.
In these difficult times, Capital Pride calls on everyone to support one another, and to remind ourselves that we are a colourful and resilient community.
Annual General Meeting
Capital Pride’s Annual General Meeting was held virtually on March 21, where former Director of Legal and Policy, Geneviève Colverson, was elected Vice Chair. Geneviève succeeds Tara Paterson who did not stand for re-election.
“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve as the Vice Chair. I remain committed to advancing Capital Pride’s mission and I look forward to serving our community as a leader within the organization,” said Geneviève Colverson.
The 2020 Executive Officers consist of:
- Davy Sabourin, Chairperson
- Geneviève Colverson, Vice Chair
- Chris Day, Secretary
- Mandy Wilson, Community Engagement Officer
“Geneviève has done outstanding work as our Director of Legal and Policy, which I know will translate very well into her new role”, said re-elected Chairperson, Davy Sabourin. “Tara contributed significantly to Capital Pride’s advancement in 2019, and I am grateful that she will continue to serve on the Board as director-at-large to further support and contribute to our ambitious goals in the coming year”, he added.
More information about Capital Pride’s Board of Directors can be found at capitalpride.ca/about-us/board-of-directors.
Resources:
For more information regarding COVID-19, please access the following resources:
Individuals in distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, can get support over the phone by calling:
- Ottawa Distress Centre 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-722-6914
- Trans Lifeline (for trans individuals): 1-877-330-6366
- LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
- If you are in need of an emergency shelter in Ottawa: 311
- Tel-Aide Outaouais: 819-775-3223
- Écoute Entraide: 1-855-EN-LIGNE (365-4463)
About Capital Pride
Capital Pride creates opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada’s capital region.
Contacts:
Osmel B. Guerra Maynes, Executive Director
Phone: 613.680.3033 ext. 100
Email: [email protected]
Riyadh Nazerally, Director of Communications (Board of Directors)
Email: [email protected]
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