Niagara Pride events create opportunities for inclusion
A Pride Month spiritual gathering Thursday at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Niagara Falls was well attended, Piaseczny said, with a lot of new faces.
Today, another event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Newfane, creates an opportunity for inclusion. Pride N.O.W. will hold a 'fun and family-friendly event' with vendors and non-profit exhibitors at the Gazebo Business Plaza at 2720-2729 Main St. The expanded event welcomes residents of Wilson and Olcott, who have been incorporated into the event's initials. The event includes a drop-by craft project provided by Newfane High School students.
Lockport's Pride celebration will be held June 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenan Center. The event will feature LGBTQIA2S+ and allied merchants, informational vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. An adult-themed drag performance will be held at the Kenan Center's Taylor Theater immediately after the festival, hosted by Sober One Six.
While he sees increased attendance as a good indicator of community building, Piaseczny said he spoke to a person at the spiritual gathering who told him that when she wore a rainbow shirt to a sub shop this week, she received noticeable stares and was left waiting longer than other customers.
The reality of working to assure equal rights for LGBTQIA2S+ people, Piaseczny said, is that change takes time. New York state passed Proposition 1 in 2024 which added new categories to be protected from discrimination, including sexual orientation and pregnancy, to the state constitution. But it doesn't offer instant transformation.
'It does not mean that all of the sudden, every employer, every business in Niagara County, is going to welcome the LGBT community with open arms,' he said.
Pride events are meant to bring out people to mix, mingle, be entertained, inspired, and included. These festivals are gaining a wider reach, but historically, there has been pushback for what some might call 'extreme openness.'
Piaseczny makes no apologies.
'For one festival, to let our hair down, to be colorful, to be creative, to have that sense of expression, is no different than having it for heterosexuals 365 days of the year.'
Piaseczny challenges people to think about whether Mardi Gras in New Orleans is any different than a pride event.
It's also not 'just easier' to blend in with the straight community, he said.
'We have seen cultures and societies move in the direction that if you can not be assimilated into what is perceived as normal, ... to ask the individual to completely remove those pieces of themselves,' Piaseczny said. 'For LGBTQIA2S+ people, it's not something that people choose. You are causing severe psychological trauma and damage.'
The Trevor Project website states that at least one youth ages 13-24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds. According to the Trevor Project, 'LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but rather are placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.'
Piaseczny said more kids are living 'out' while in school than in decades past, and that school organizations for gay students make a positive difference.
'With those being in the school, you have a deeper sense of community and peers that are being supported,' he said. 'So if there's a bully, you have others who are supportive.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Yahoo
Charity warning for Swindon Pride attendees amid domestic abuse concerns
A charity is urging the LGBT+ community to seek support if they are experiencing domestic abuse. As Swindon prepares to celebrate Pride this weekend, Society Without Abuse (SWA) is reminding people that abuse can happen in any relationship, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Kate Rowland, chief executive of SWA, said: "Domestic abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship no matter how they identify, their age or their background. "In same-sex relationships the abuse can often be multi-faceted due to community and identity issues and it's known that victims are less likely to report their experiences or seek help, with 61 per cent of people who acknowledge they have been victims saying that they did not seek professional support to recover. "As a result, LGBT+ victims are more likely to self-harm or commit suicide. "However, it's important to know that there is expert support available to people of all genders and backgrounds in Swindon who are experiencing domestic abuse." The charity highlights that domestic abuse is believed to be more common in same-sex relationships, but that many individuals may not recognise abusive behaviours or feel able to reach out for help. SWA also runs a behaviour change scheme called Open2Change, which supports individuals who use harmful behaviours in relationships to seek help and change. Ms Rowland said: "Swindon is also home to our innovative behaviour change programme that works with people who use harmful behaviour and they can come directly to us to seek support to change." The Open2Change programme is delivered one-to-one and is available to people of all genders and relationship types, including those in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships. SWA will be present at Swindon Pride this weekend to raise awareness of its services and recovery programmes. Read more: Shoplifter who assaulted staff jailed and banned from stores The charity, originally founded in 1974 as Swindon Women's Aid, takes a whole-family approach to tackling domestic abuse, with 50 years of experience supporting survivors, families and perpetrators. Its specialist team for children and young people collaborates with educators to promote healthy relationships at an age-appropriate level. The charity also works with businesses and the wider community to ensure people know how to signpost victims to support. SWA operates two fundraising shops, located in The Parade in Swindon and Hughenden Yard in Marlborough. Anyone in need of advice or support related to domestic abuse can contact Swindon's domestic abuse helpline on 01793 610610.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
How to ask her to be your girlfriend: A guide for shy lesbians & sapphics
If there's one feeling that can top the initial rush of attraction—especially when it's mutual—it's that moment when you officially become girlfriends (or partners, or whatever term best fits your relationship). You've done the apps, you've conquered your gaydar struggles, and you've even made the first move and things are going great, but there is still one hurdle left—and that's defining the relationship. Why does it matter? Beyond simply making a mutual commitment, it's an acknowledgment that what you're feeling is shared, and that you're in it together. It's sweet, affirming—and, at times, totally nerve-wracking. Especially if you're the one initiating the conversation. But it doesn't have to be. There are ways to ease the anxiety: feeling confident that this is truly what you want, picking up on cues that they're on the same page, and knowing what to say when the moment comes. Listen, we get it—easier said than done. That's why PRIDE reached out to dating and relationship experts, bisexual licensed sexologist and relationship therapist Sofie Roos, and certified matchmaker and relationship expert Tammy Shaklee, for their advice on how to ask your sweetie to be your girlfriend—when you're ready to take the plunge. Are you ready? Here's how you'll know. The first step to feeling calm (well, as calm as possible) when asking the person you're dating to be your girlfriend is to first be secure in knowing that it's what you want. It comes down to both timing and a gut feeling, says Roos. 'Generally, you know you're ready when you're longing to take the next step—that it feels natural to let her become a bigger part of your life, no matter what kind of relationship you're having now.' If that's not clear enough, Shaklee says to take an analytical approach and consider dynamics that will lead to a healthy relationship, when and if she says yes. 'Have you taken the time to genuinely get to know each other, not just through constant communication and sharing, but through a range of shared experiences, emotions, mutual support, patience, and understanding?,' Shaklee asks. If the answers are yes, then chances are you're in a good place to take the next step. Just remember, there's no rush if you're not quite sure yet, adds Roos. 'Take a step back to feel whether or not this is the natural next step—something you'll feel if giving yourself some time to reflect over the situation, your relationship, and listen to your feelings.' Once you know the answer to that, you know what your next move will be, provided you feel they are on the same page with you. Which leads us to… Are they? Here's the signs to look out for. In moments like this, when you're putting yourself out there and are vulnerable, you may wish you could read your sweetie's mind. Sadly, no advice our experts can give, no matter how skilled they are, will give you superpowers—but they can offer some clues of what to be on the lookout for. Roos says to consider how they talk about you and your future together when the conversation arises. 'Does she use an 'us' when talking about the future, and does she like to make plans of things you should do together? Is there any interest in meeting your friends and family, and overall becoming a bigger part of your life?' Roos asks. If the answers are yes, it indicates they are in a similar headspace. 'That's signs of her also wanting to make things more serious and take your relationship to the next level, and move to the next step,' explains Roos. 'So pay attention to small details in her way of seeing you, and pick up the overall feeling she's giving!' Also assess how she makes you feel, says Shaklee. 'Do you feel this relationship is truly reciprocal? Do both of you feel comfortable, heard, seen and are there clear signs that your attention isn't divided by outside distractions?' she asks. Again, if the answer is in the affirmative, those are good signs that you both want the same thing. How and when to pop the girlfriend question. - Yuri A/Shutterstock You've assessed, you've considered, you've asked yourself all the important questions—and yep, you wanna do it. You wanna make your paramour your official girlfriend. But how? Here's the experts' best advice for popping the question: #1'Try to keep it quite simple, but yet personal,' says Roos, adding it doesn't have to be the most romantic moment in history. 'The most important thing is that you let her hear how you're feeling for her, and what you'd like you to become.' #2 'Picking the right moment is important,' says Roos. 'It doesn't necessarily need to be that cinematic romantic moment that might never come. However, you should be in a place where there's no stress and no distractions, so you can spend that moment with just the two of you and really have time for each other.' Shaklee adds that breakfast time is a surprisingly ideal time for the conversation since it's casual and intimate. 'It's a great time to be calm, clear, and level-headed in having a legit conversation. Whether you make it on your own, or meet out for a special table for two,' she says. #3 'Be straight up with how you're feeling. Even though it's super scary to open up this way, it always turns out so much better if you're putting your heart out on that plate and let her know exactly what you want and how you're feeling,' Roos advises. If you're tongue-tied, Shaklee says something along the lines of the following communicates what you want and what you're feeling, but also gives them some space to consider their feelings, too: 'Let's be serious for a sec. I truly enjoy you, your company, your friendship, and really hope to make some more fun memories together. I admire and respect about you your kindness, drive, fun personality, your way in the world that I think is so rare and significant, etc). I'm into making it an exclusive thing, and want to give you time to think about it. I respect your answer either way.' What to do if they say no? Even when you've set yourself up for success, it can still not go the way you hope—otherwise it wouldn't be so nerve-wracking. So it's best to also prepare for them to say no, too, say the experts. 'Getting a no is always a risk, and most of the times not anything personal, even though it easily can feel that way,' says Roos. The key, she says, is to try and focus on gratitude for the honesty.' 'Respond with kindness and respect,' adds Shaklee. 'Continue being the person she's clearly drawn to, the one she may grow to feel more aligned with in time. People move at different emotional paces, and not every 'no' is permanent.' But most of all, you should also be proud of yourself for being brave and putting yourself out there. 'Pat yourself on the back for being so brave to ask someone this!' says Roos. And don't give up on love! Experts cited: Sofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at relationship magazine Passionerad Tammy Shaklee, a relationship expert, certified matchmaker, and founder of H4M Matchmaking. This article originally appeared on Pride: How to ask her to be your girlfriend: A guide for shy lesbians & sapphics RELATED What to do when your girlfriend wants an open relationship How to date a girl: 15 ways to woo your first date Solve the daily Crossword
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Tulita shows its support for Pride
Residents of Tulita gathered to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity for the hamlet's first Pride celebration on June 28. A joint effort by Chief Albert Wright School, the hamlet's administration and the local RCMP detachment, the day included a community barbecue, games and an opportunity to paint one of the local police cruisers. 'We saw all the Pride day celebrations happening around Canada,' said Const. Ryan Adam, who helped organize the event with Const. Katherine Duncan, whom Adam credited for taking the lead. 'It was great. We had the truck painted for almost 48 hours. Everyone loved it — everyone was waving and the kids were screaming. 'The kids had a great time and we helped educate them a little bit. If they had questions, we'd tell them it's about creating a safe and welcoming space for all residents of the Sahtu of all ages.' Adam said the crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the day but at one point he counted more than 50 people coming out to show support. RCMP covered the cost of food and the paint while the hamlet contributed volunteers and firewood and the school provided the venue. Promoting an inclusive community that's safe for 2SLGBTQI+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities) helps promote community safety, Adam stated. 'It was the first-ever Pride event [in Tulita],' he said. 'I think personally it was a meaningful step for celebrating inclusivity and diversity in our community. We got to collaborate with all of our partners in the community. We created a safe and welcoming space for all the residents. 'There's a few individuals in our community who are strong with the 2SLGBTQI+ community who were very excited to come out and they felt pretty safe and welcome. I think it strengthens our relationship and builds trust,' Adam added. Noting events like Pride celebrations are particularly important in smaller communities where everyone knows each other, Ryan said organizers were hoping to build on the initiative and hold more inclusive events throughout the year. For example, he said planning is underway to have inclusive events at the school at least once a month when classes resume in September. 'It's very important for small communities to have a sense of community,' he said. 'We want everyone to feel welcome, no matter who they are. We want people to feel like they belong. 'So our plan is at least to do something once a month. Our door is always open and I always have a coffee pot on.' NNSL Media contacted hamlet staff for comment but received no response prior to press deadline. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
