Timmins Pride seeks solutions for lack of 2SLGBTQ+ supports
It's the time of year to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community, though Fierte Timmins Pride feels it's also an important time to look for solutions to the lack of support services in the city.
For group president Matt Villeneuve, that effort starts with hearing from the local community about what's missing.
"At this moment, we're trying to figure out exactly what the gaps are, so that we can fill them," Villeneuve said. "And if there's already a service taking place, we'll make sure to highlight it so that we are able to promote it."
The group received $125,000 from the federal agency Women and Gender Equality Canada to conduct a needs assessment study.
That involves a recently-launched online survey, as well as a town hall, focus groups and community interviews to be conducted in the coming months.
Share their experiences
Group officials said all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are welcome to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions, whether or not they still live in Timmins.
"We're looking at folks who have moved away as a result of not having access," said the group's treasurer, Julie Demarchi.
"The older 2SLGBTQ+ community that maybe have had to live a little more of a closeted life. We need these voices to be heard."
In the past, Villeneuve said people have expressed issues with getting transgender-inclusive medical care. Others have sought supports for dealing with problems at home, work or school related to their gender or sexual orientation, he said.
He and Demarchi said Timmins Pride tries to facilitate education, training and some level of support as much as it can with a volunteer team.
Not their expertise
But they said that's not their expertise. The group was founded to organize events and facilitate discussion, not provide specialized services.
This is why they are hoping the information collected from the study can build a solid case for government funding to create a dedicated social services organization that can address the needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
"Timmins Pride is committed to seeing this happen because we see the injustices and the lack of supports," Demarchi said.
It's an ambitious effort, she said, but one that she feels can become a reality as long as the whole community speaks out.
The more people who voice their thoughts, Demarchi said, the stronger position the group will be in to request funding.
"This is such an important piece right now, we need folks to come forward."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It’s discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.