Statement on Behalf of OUTniagara Board of Directors

February 18, 2022

Statement on Behalf of OUTniagara Board of Directors

On February 17, 2022, OUTniagara’s Board of Directors were made aware of a video posted to YouTube showing a former Board member being confronted about allegedly soliciting an individual posing as a minor. As an organization, OUTniagara takes this allegation seriously. Our organization is committed to promoting the wellbeing and inclusion of sexual and gender diversity in communities across the Niagara region. This includes supporting and protecting 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth, to ensure safety and health in all their relationships and interactions.

We understand that members of our community may have questions about this individual’s involvement with the Board of Directors. Effective February 13, 2022 and prior to OUTniagara’s knowledge of this incident, this individual is no longer part of OUTniagara’s Board of Directors. At no point did this individual have access to the personal information of our members nor other materials of a sensitive nature.

OUTniagara assures its membership and the community that we continue to remain focused on the needs of 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals of all ages across the Niagara region. We hold our Board of Directors to the highest standards. As per our By-Law 2.10 i) “…The Co-Chairs shall set a high standard for Board conduct and enforce policies and Bylaws concerning Directors’ conduct. The Co-Chairs shall serve as mentors to other Directors, ensure that all Directors contribute fully, and address issues associated with underperformance of individual Directors.”

Our current Board of Directors is working tirelessly on a strategic plan that will allow us to support Niagara’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities for years ahead. We look forward to sharing this work soon.

If you have questions or concerns about this series of events, please contact our Co-Chairs at info@outniagara.ca