April 2024 Recipients - $3950 awarded
Note: The descriptions in the next 4 sections are brief summaries of each project. Feel free to
contact us if you would like to see the entire application form for any of these organizations.
Kir Tancon (SOGI school lead) and Chris Bate (Island Queers and Allies Who Care board member)
1) Comox Valley Pride Prom $1475
Pride Prom 2024 was held on April 26th 2024 in Courtenay, BC. It involved youth from three school districts in the Comox Valley. This year, the "Pride Prom Committee" was formed by Highland Secondary student volunteers, as a means of having this year's event be more youth-led. Unfortunately, due to restrictions surrounding dances in our district, we are not able to have a school-led event. We also consciously decided last year that we would embrace a more community/grassroots foundation for Pride Prom, as we know that this is how some of the best queer-led work gets done! "Pride Prom" is an event where youth aged 13-18 can celebrate diversity, identity, and queer JOY, especially in the face of our current climate in BC/Canada/the world. Our youth are on the frontlines, and, more than ever, deserve a fun and safe space to be themselves, connect with other youth outside their schools, and be around other generations of queers in our community. Any additional funds will go towards Pride Prom 2025 and hopefully building other much-needed all ages queer opportunities in our community!
2) Vancouver Island Binders $1475
Add photo of chest binders from our Facebook page or the one from VI Binders page?
To create a free and/or at-cost chest binder library for youth and adults serving the whole island. Properly fitted binders are essential for health and safety reasons. The money would be used to stock the library with the variety of sizes and styles needed to make travelling the island worthwhile. With the library stocked, I will feel confident offering to bring the library to trans/gender-diverse (TGD) groups as well as support groups similar to PFLAG around the island. This would allow individuals to see and try on the binders to find one that is best for them. This can also bring awareness and understanding to others who may not yet know who uses a binder and why they are so essential. Update: Chest binders were purchased by VI Binders from two Canadian suppliers (one is trans owned) in April/May of 2024. They are now available to anyone on Vancouver Island. Please contact Island Queers and Allies Who Care Society if you want to be put in touch with Cheryl from VI Binders.
3) Rainbow Abilities $500 (Nanaimo)
We run a monthly social group for folks who are part of the 2SLGBTQ+ and who identify as being neurodivergent or having a diverse ability. We change activities every month including trivia night, games, movies, a support/debrief group after the anti-SOGI protests, LEGO night and more. We offer snacks, resources and participants sometimes leave with items they have made.
Our group is free and open to anyone 19 and over in the community who self-identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ and neurodiverse. The program is run by 2 people who are support workers in the community (Neil is the director of NSL and Chelsea is a certified sexual health educator).
We have received suggestions from the group of activities around town that would cost more than we can pay (group swims, bowling, movie theatre etc). We want to keep the program free for attendees and have been unable to provide these options. We would also be able to use the funds to expand on existing activities such as craft nights and baking. We would be able to offer an honorarium to a guest to lead an activity like paint night.
4) Redefine and Shine $500 (Ladysmith)
"Redefine and Shine" is a haven for LGBTQIA2S teens, led by an art therapist, where creativity becomes a tool for connection and self-discovery. It's more than just a space for making art and crafts—it's a place where every teen, regardless of their abilities, can feel welcomed and included. We meet weekly in Ladysmith during the school year. Approximately 20 youth attend each week.
By bringing together teens from diverse backgrounds, "Redefine and Shine" celebrates the unique identities within the LGBTQIA2S community, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. The project ensures accessibility by providing facilities that accommodate all abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate fully.
Through art, teens not only express themselves but also challenge societal norms, contributing to broader conversations about equality. By empowering LGBTQIA2S teens to share their stories and perspectives, "Redefine and Shine" strengthens the fabric of the queer community, building resilience and solidarity among its members.
Photo: Megan Hunter, Lacey Redding, Farrell Elliott, and youth from the Art Group.
