It is with mixed emotions that Capital Pride’s Board of Directors announces the retirement of its Chairperson, Davy Sabourin (he/him), effective November 10, 2020. Davy recently accepted a new professional role and had to make the difficult decision to step down from his role as Chairperson of Capital Pride. He has graciously agreed to remain on the Board of Directors as the Immediate Past Chair, in an ex officio (non-voting) role, to ensure a smooth transition. Davy’s involvement with Capital Pride throughout the years has been invaluable and his leadership will be greatly missed.

In light of the timing of his retirement and with the full support of the Board of Directors, Capital Pride’s current Vice Chair, Geneviève Colverson (she/her) has assumed the role of interim Chairperson. Francesco MacAllister-Caruso (he/him or they/them) was then elected to the role of interim Vice Chair. Both offices are being filled on an interim basis until Capital Pride’s Annual General Meeting, which is set to be held in January 2021, when the Board of Directors will elect its executive officers for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Capital Pride is confident that Geneviève and Francesco will continue to ensure the progressive development of the organization in a way that encompasses the needs of members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region.

Capital Pride is also thrilled to announce the appointment of a new Treasurer, Jonathan Généreux (he/him), to its Board of Directors. Jonathan is a Chartered Professional Accountant whose expertise will be instrumental to the continued strategic financial development of the organization. His full bio is available on our website.

“I have full confidence in Geneviève and Francesco’s leadership, and I am delighted that we have added a strong Treasurer to the Board,” said Davy Sabourin, former Chairperson. “With its dedicated and passionate team, Capital Pride will continue to fulfill its mission of creating opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” he added.

Capital Pride will also be announcing recruitment efforts in the coming weeks, seeking diverse members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to join the Board of Directors. Stay tuned for the announcement of that recruitment campaign!

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Miss Rona got you down this fall, Capital Pride and Google Canada are gathering the small 2SLGBTQ+ business community to talk about operating in a digital-first world helping you gain the knowledge necessary to increase productivity and build your 2SLGBTQ+ small business.

Join us October 27th -November 12th for 2SLGBTQ+ Small Business Digital Skills Workshops hosted by Capital Pride in collaboration with Google Canada. 2SLGBTQ+ Digital Skills Workshops aims to support queer individuals, brands, and small businesses to build the necessary digital skills to succeed an increasingly digital landscape

All workshops are free and can you can register on capitalpride.ca.

Please take a look at our virtual workshops:

Tuesday: October 27
5:00 AM – 6:15 PM

Get Your Business Online: Managing your online presence

Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. This workshop includes hands-on time to build or edit a Google business profile, so you can get real- time feedback and help from Google experts.

Thursday: October 29
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Make Your Website Work for You: Best practices for your website

Learn how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports your goals. Whether you’re launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help.

Tuesday: November 03
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Use YouTube to grow your business

Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand.

Thursday: November 05
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

Learn the basics of Google Ads

Discover campaign types offered in Google Ads, including features to help you reach the right audience and potential customers to meet your marketing goals.

Tuesday: November 9
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Optimize your energy for high performance

Learn how to more effectively balance your energy and master your time to enhance overall productivity. You will get practical guidance, resources and exercises to incorporate in work and life.

Thursday: November 12
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Maximize your productivity with GSuite

Make the most of your time by managing your work in Google Sheets and creating a meeting agenda in Google Docs that drives your project forward and keeps you on pace.

Capital Pride’s mission is to create opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

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Do you have about 10 hours a month to offer to be part of the dynamic and passionate team that provides direction and management to the largest Pride festival in the region? Do you have financial skills and expertise to lend to a 2SLGBTQ+ not-for-profit organization with a major impact? Can you help us take our organization to the next level? You may just be the ideal candidate to hold the officer position of Treasurer on the Board of Directors (the Board) of Capital Pride (the Organization)!

Capital Pride brings together a team of dedicated staff and volunteers to make the Capital Pride Summer Festival and WinterPride Festival happen each year, as well as other year-round events. The Board of Directors provides overall direction and management of the organization, including governance, policy, and financial oversight and accountability.

The organization creates opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada’s capital region – the unceded and unsurrendered traditional land of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.

Duties

The Treasurer will be the lead in ensuring the Board can exercise its critical financial oversight and governance role, and will mainly be responsible for three broad areas:

• Budget Development: the Treasurer will coordinate with the Executive Director to develop an annual organizational budget, while ensuring that it reflects the organization’s mission, goals and objectives. The Treasurer will also review the budget and year-to-date records on a regular basis to identify risks and opportunities.
  
• Governance: the Treasurer will provide leadership on issues related to financial affairs and ensure compliance with relevant laws, rules and regulations, organizational policies, directives and Board resolutions that relate to the organization’s finances. The Treasurer will also chair the Board’s Finance Committee which meets quarterly, and will be responsible for attending monthly board meetings to provide financial reports clearly stating the financial standing of the organization.
  
• Financial Oversight and Management: the Treasurer will act as a signing authority and will be the key contact for the organization’s auditors, bank and bookkeeper. The Treasurer will also collaborate with the Executive Director in monitoring cash flow, revenue and expenses.

Requirements and Desired Skills

The ideal candidate will have financial management experience in a not-for-profit or similarly sized organization and can confidently assume the role of Treasurer, providing the necessary financial leadership. This means that the candidate will likely have:

• Minimum of 3 years experience in financial management and/or leadership;
• Strong understanding of nonprofit organizational governance and related laws and regulations;
• Familiarity with the National Capital Region’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, including community organizations and groups;
• Experience with non-profit budget development (Capital Pride’s 2019 budget: ~$700,000) and financial reporting to a Board of Directors;
• Demonstrable experience using Quickbooks or similar accounting software; and
• Reside in the National Capital Region (Ottawa-Gatineau).
  
• Previous experience serving on a board of directors is strongly desired.
• CPA designation is strongly desired.
• Ability to communicate in both official languages is desired.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume that outlines what motivates you to be involved, as well as the experience and skills you will bring to Capital Pride to [email protected]. The position will remain open until an ideal candidate is found.

Capital Pride is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome and, in particular, applications are encouraged from members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, persons living with HIV, newcomers, women and francophones.

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As previously announced, Capital Pride’s 2020 summer festival will take place online under the theme: “Wherever we are”. Capital Pride’s team has been hard at work thinking of various ways for 2SGLBTQ+ communities to be able to show their true colours during these difficult times. Though there may not be opportunities to celebrate in person, 2SLGBTQ+ communities will forever be proud and celebrate, “wherever we are”. Capital Pride’s Virtual Festival takes place August 23 through 30, 2020.

Thanks to the generosity of the festival’s Presenting Sponsor TD Bank, Champion Sponsor Rogers, and many other supporters, Capital Pride will be showcasing a full program of exciting online events and even a drive in drag show! Get ready for the Queer Talent Extravaganza, QTBIPOC DJ FYAH Battle, and our highly anticipated annual Capital Pride Pageant.

Virtual Pride will also feature the National Capital Region’s 2SLGBTQ+ performers and artists and will include some of the biggest names from the hit TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race! This year, viewers will be able to vote for their favourite contestants on capitalpride.ca, with the finalists competing head-to-head for the Capital Pride 2020 titles!

“I am so excited for this year’s virtual Pride festival. We have worked so hard to make sure that we are putting our community first, and showing our true colours, wherever we are.”

Osmel Guerra Maynes, Capital Pride Executive Director

Capital Pride’s 2020 Grand Marshals will be the region’s 2SLGBTQ+ health workers.

“Capital Pride is deeply grateful to all of the healthcare workers who are working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.”

Davy Sabourin, Capital Pride Chairperson

Capital Pride recognizes that Pride is more than just a festival; it allows individuals in our communities to be proud of living their truth in a world that at times isn’t accepting of who they are. Everyone is welcomed to join the 2020 Capital Pride Summer Festival for virtual celebrations of love and progress.

Visit capitalpride.ca/2020-virtual-capital-pride-festival/ to see what Capital Pride has in store for its 2020 virtual Festival. Stay tuned to the Capital Pride social media channels, as more exciting events and headline entertainers will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

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. Capital Pride hosts the 2020 Capital Pride Festival from August 23 to 30.

Contact:

Osmel B. Guerra Maynes, Executive Director
Tel: 613.680.3033 ext. 100
Email: [email protected]

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The Capital Pride Youth Committee (CPYC) is excited to announce the launch of their social media campaign, #PrideMatters. The initiative will celebrate the importance of the Pride movement and remind our community why it is still essential today. In the weeks leading up to the summer festival, one post will be released every Monday on Capital Pride’s official social media platforms, beginning on June 22, 2020

#PrideMatters is an opportunity for young people to take part in Capital Pride’s mission to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect members of the  2SLGBTQ+ community in its full diversity in the National Capital Region. The campaign will feature passages written by CPYC members to showcase diverse perspectives and emphasize issues that matter most to youth, including visibility and connection within the community.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in our society in terms of equality, but there is still a lot of work to do,” said David Thibodeau, Co-Chair of the CPYC. “Pride is a time for us to celebrate and reflect on those achievements, but also to remind ourselves of the work that still needs to be done. #PrideMatters because it is still as important today as it was 20 years ago; it promotes visibility and I believe that visibility is vital.”

“#PrideMatters because it helps us as 2SLGBTQ+ people connect with one another,” noted Gillian Fenwick, CPYC Liaison to Capital Pride’s Board of Directors. “By doing so, we can support 2SLGBTQ+ people across the globe, listen to the most marginalized voices in our community, and uplift those who feel alone.”

In these unprecedented times, 2SLGBTQ+ online spaces are an indispensable resource to connect our community members who would otherwise be left in the dark. Capital Pride strives to make Pride a source of strength and hope, allowing us to stand united in solidarity even while distancing ourselves physically. Members of the community are encouraged to share their own stories and commentary using the hashtag #PrideMatters. 

Find the campaign on Capital Pride’s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

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Capital Pride stands in solidarity with the courageous black voices and allies denouncing and condemning anti-Black racism in the United States and here in Canada. The recent deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and Regis Korchinski-Paquet, closer to home, in Toronto, have once again shed light on the continued systemic violence and oppression experienced by Black communities.

As an organization representing the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region, and with Pride month beginning today, June 1st, we would like to remind everyone that the queer liberation movement, as with many other human rights movements, was spurred by the activism of Black and Trans women of colour.

While we, as Canadians, take pride in having a multicultural society, we must also acknowledge and condemn the consequences of our colonial history that have created systemic barriers, hostility and violence toward Black Canadians, as well as Indigenous peoples, and people of colour.

The United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent 2016 preliminary report highlights “Canada’s history of enslavement, racial segregation, and marginalization” and its roots into anti-Black racism in Canada, leading to institutional racism, low-unemployment rates, poor health and disproportionally high incarceration rates of Black Canadians.

Let us remember that racism has no borders. It is our collective duty to dismantle racism to keep our hopes and dreams alive. The only way to do so is to ensure that we are treated fairly and equally.

Osmel B. Guerra Maynes, Capital Pride Executive Director

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Capital Pride joins the international community in recognizing the 2020 International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Having its roots in a Canadian organization, Fondation Émergence, the date was officially adopted worldwide to commemorate the decision of the World Health Organization on May 17, 1990, to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Since its inception, the day aims to raise awareness around the advancement of 2SLGBTQ+ rights worldwide, while also shedding light on the challenges ahead.

“As a Pride organization located in our nation’s capital, we recognize the importance of being agents of change both domestically and internationally. Our advocacy work with embassies and high commissions, political leaders and decision-makers remains an important pillar of our mandate,” said Davy Sabourin, Capital Pride Chairperson. “Today we remember those who fought for our rights, and acknowledge the road ahead for the global 2SLGBTQ+ community,” he added.

The 2020 campaign announced by Fondation Émergence is: Family support is essential. The campaign emphasizes on the importance of having a loving, caring family. Capital Pride encourages everyone, wherever they may be, to reach out to 2SLGBTQ+ members of their family to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated.

Simultaneously, the 2020 international IDAHOBIT theme is: ‘’Breaking the Silence’’. While encouraging everyone to join and support the global Pride movement, Capital Pride recognizes and denounces the fact that 2SLGBTQ+ voices in many parts of the world continue to be silenced by socioeconomic, political, legal, cultural, and institutional oppression – extensively perpetuated by state-sponsored homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia and transphobia.

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Capital Pride recognizes that the safety and security of everyone living in the National Capital Region is essential. During these difficult times we know many people in our community, and beyond, are looking for support and guidance. Pride celebrations have always been a place of love, allyship and compassion, and we are confident that this year will be no different.

Since the declaration of the pandemic in March, Capital Pride has been hard at work developing a path forward for the annual festival, while adhering to all public health guidelines. 

Capital Pride reached a decision to deliver this year’s Pride virtually, under the theme “Wherever We Are!”. This year’s theme highlights the need for everyone to stay colourful and proud regardless of where we are physically. ‘Wherever We Are!’ highlights the reality that we are facing today. Pride isn’t just a time to party – it’s where 2SLGBTQ+ communities and allies can celebrate their true selves. Now more than ever, we must remind ourselves that we are a proud and resilient community.

The festivities will take place from August 21 – 30, and will feature both local and international talent. Festival favourites such as the official Flag Raising, Speaker Series, Capital Pride Pageant and of course the Parade, will be delivered in new and innovative ways.

More details on the timing and programming of the festival will be released in the coming weeks.

“The wellbeing of members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community remains our number one priority. Even though we are unable to celebrate in person this year, we’re looking forward to bringing people together online, through a series of exciting virtual Pride events,” said Osmel Guerra Maynes, Executive Director of Capital Pride. 

Capital Pride would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in the National Capital Region for providing services and support to vulnerable members of our community. While the festival will take on a new format, it will continue to be a platform for our partners. Additionally, Capital Pride urges the public to support, where possible, the many queer-owned businesses, performers, and artists that are facing a challenging time.

Our community is no stranger to adversity, and we are ready to show our pride wherever we are.

Resources:

For more information regarding COVID-19, please access the following resources:

• Ottawa Public Health
• Public Health Ontario
• Health Canada

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]

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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:

• Ottawa Public Health
• Public Health Ontario
• Health Canada

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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