Positive Space Coalition of Peel
Latest and Greatest
2008 Peel Pride Parade
Mississauga’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) community will be both loud and proud on Saturday when the first-ever pride march in the city takes to the streets.
The event, which starts at the East Mississauga Community Health Centre, is organized by Nicole Ghanie-Opondo and Marc Simcox with assistance from the centre, Associated Youth Services of Peel and Peel HIV/AIDS Network, under the banner of QXposure.
Called Queer It Up, the event starts at 2:30 p.m. and features a one-kilometre parade and march along Dundas St. E. followed by a barbecue and performances in the centre’s parking lot.
While a big part of the afternoon is celebration, it’s also an opportunity to get the GLBT community together and comfortable so members can share their concerns, said Ghanie-Opondo.
“We wanted to create something where the community could come together and feel safe in a gay-positive space and articulate their needs,“ said Ghanie-Opondo. “We want to raise awareness about the services provided in the area and that it’s time to build more for the community in Mississauga.“
At the Healthy Queer Community Forum last October, the community said one of its priorities was to see more places for them in the city where they can feel comfortable and accepted.
Safety is also near the top of the list, said Ghanie-Opondo.
“You find with any marginalized community there is a fear (for) their safety,“ she said. “When we say safe place, we mean a place that’s also free of discrimination and oppression.“
Although there are no official statistics on the number of people in Mississauga who identify themselves as GLBT, Ghanie-Opondo said it has been estimated at one in 10 people.
Following the march, there will be food, music and dance performances. There will also be a pair of drag shows.
Organizers hope to turn the march into an annual event.
For more information, visit http://www.qxposure.blogspot.com.
East Mississauga Community Health Centre is located at 2555 Dixie Rd., Unit 7.
http://www.mississauganews.com/article/16631
Services
Youth Beyond Barriers Program
Drop in groups for queer and trans youth age 12-17 years of age.
Youth interested in attending these groups should contact the program prior to attending group.
The groups take place in central Brampton and in central Mississauga from 6.30pm to 8pm.
We are currently seeking new group members.
Youth, parents, and friends of queer & trans youth can access this program via
www.aysp.ca or www.postivespacepeel.org or call 1.800.762.8377. ext.460 or at
