Community consultations aim to shape 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion training across Perth and Huron counties

The Proud Community Project, in partnership with Stratford-Perth Pride, is launching a series of community consultations this August and September to help shape a new 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity training program.

The program is being developed for local organizations, businesses, service providers and municipal representatives across Perth and Huron counties.

These consultations are not just about this workshop, they aim to lay the groundwork for future 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives in the region, said A.J. Ashley, executive director of Stratford-Perth Pride.

"By listening deeply and inclusively, we're not just creating a workshop, but building a foundation for meaningful, lasting change that will support and empower our 2SLGBTQIA+ community for years to come."

Whether you’ve faced barriers, want to improve local services or simply hope to contribute to something meaningful, your insight matters, said Ashley.

“We want to learn what the community wants from us. We want to gain a better understanding of what could work in Stratford and Perth County; what people want to see and what people want to learn from us to help make conversations at workplaces better and more accepting across the region.”

Organizers are especially encouraging input from rural residents, racialized individuals, youth, elders, trans people, people with disabilities, frontline workers and anyone with lived experience in local queer and trans communities.

“We want anyone who works with the public or interacts with the public to take part,” said Ashley. “We want to help people be more comfortable and understanding of how to address things professionally, politely and respectfully with everyone in the community, regardless of who they are.”

The regionally specific workshop, which will run two to four hours in length, aims to reflect the lived experiences, challenges and aspirations of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents from diverse backgrounds and communities.

Organizers say meaningful community input is essential to ensuring the training is relevant, responsive and rooted in the voices of those it’s meant to support.

In-person and virtual community consultations will be held throughout August and September as part of a regional 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity initiative.

In-person consultations will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the following locations:

Stratford: August 5 at the Stratford Public Library, 19 St. Andrew St.

Listowel: August 14 at the Steve Kerr Memorial Arena, 965 Binning St. W.

St. Marys: August 19 at the Town Hall Auditorium, 175 Queen St. E.

Goderich: August 26 at the Huron County Museum Theatre, 110 North St.

Virtual consultations are also scheduled, including:

QTBIPOC community session: Sept. 2 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This session is specifically for Indigenous and racialized community members.

General virtual session: Sept. 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Open to all residents of Stratford, Perth and Huron counties.

All sessions are led by facilitator Markus Harwood-Jones, a white queer and trans person.

Register at https://www.stratfordpride.com/proud-community-project. For more information, email proudcommunityprojectspp@gmail.com.