Why We Should Care About Pride in Niagara

I did not anticipate that I would be the only public figure present at Pride Niagara's Teach and Tell event on Dec 4th-- but I was.

Phil Gourlay, a long-time Niagara resident and member of the LGBTQ2+ community, was the guest speaker,

Phil is an incredibly accomplished professional, having organized large-scale events that achieved record-breaking fundraising results for charities. He is also the founder of Pride Niagara.

Pride Niagara is the only Pride organization in Ontario, outside of Toronto and Ottawa, that hosts the Unity Awards--a ceremony dedicated to celebrating the achievements of an often underestimated community.

In Canada, there are over 100,000 openly LGBTQ2+ -owned businesses generating more than $22 Billion annually -- each one, on average, earning well above the median for small businesses. Collectively, they employ over 400,000 people.

independent research also shows that LGBTQ2+ individuals spend up to 533% more in a given year, than the average Canadian, on travel and tourism.

Niagara Falls would be wise to take note.

I asked many questions at this event to better understand the lived realities of LGBTQ2+ residents in Niagara.

And I want to acknowledge something openly: upon reflection, I felt a bit ashamed of my instinctive reaction when one man in the crowd chose to speak up.

He expressed confusion and frustration around the evolution of acronyms -- and at first, I felt "off-put".

But when I stepped back, I realized something important: through open and honest dialogue, we created a room where a boomer-aged, presumably straight white man felt safe enough to voice vulnerability.

That is valuable.

And it is commendable.

In an era where politics are increasingly divisive, I want to offer a different perspective.

I have deep respect for those who possess the social courage to live authentically -- especially those who have had to navigate a world that has told them, "you are wrong."

As someone pursuing public office, I will do everything in my power to responsibly represent every resident of Niagara Falls-- whether or not I personally identify with them.

Because every human deserves to feel seen, safe and valued.