OUTniagara Signals Renewed Commitment to 2SLGBTQI+ Community

For immediate release

OUTniagara

28 July 2019 (St. Catharines) – OUTniagara has taken the next big step to unite and better serve the region’s sexual- and gender-diverse community.

After rebuilding for several years, the umbrella group for the 2SLGBTQI+ community moved from an interim board to officially electing a four-member executive and six directors at its first annual general meeting recently. The board consists of members of the community and allies, and geographically represents several Niagara municipalities.

Elected are chair Brian Scriver, vice-chair Celeste Turner, secretary Kate Alexander, treasurer Marissa Daniels, and directors Kim Ansell, Sarah Burtch-Walsh, Lorenzo Cromwell, Melissa Gray, Michael Sherman, and Joan Wiley.

OUTniagara is a collective of the region’s 2SLGBTQI+ groups and individuals. It supports and advocates for the diverse voices and needs of its members, provides contacts and information, cultivates and facilitates partnerships, and makes efforts to archive Niagara’s diverse and rich Pride history.

Scriver, who was a founding director of OUTniagara in 2006, said he is delighted with the board’s credentials and diversity.

“We have a very strong team and we will be working with vigour and transparency to reflect and support the many diverse lived experiences of our collective,” said Scriver. “OUTniagara is already in the planning stages for several events that we hope will appeal to a broad cross-section of our members.”

A pillar of OUTniagara is the Community Fund. Partner organizations may apply for grants that will help defer costs for regular meetings or events. Community Calendar encourages partner organizations to list their events and meetings. The OUTfriends directory lists 2SLGBTQI+-friendly services, businesses and venues in Niagara.

For more information about OUTniagara, please go to info@outniagara.ca or check out its website at OUTniagara.ca

-30-

For media inquiries, please contact OUTniagara Chair Brian Scriver at bscriver@icloud.com.