For the first time in Revelstoke, there is a permanent program to support the LGBTQ+ community.
There have been others, such as Safe Spaces Revelstoke in 2014, but they never lasted as people move away. However, since this new group – Revelstoke Rainbows – is part of Community Connections, the organization said it’s here to stay.
“It will be forever,” said program organizer Ramona Shaw.
“And it needs to be visible.”
Shaw is born and raised in Revelstoke. Several years ago, her daughter came out as transgender.
“She was alone. I wish I could have done better to support her, but I didn’t know how at the time. I didn’t understand it,” said Shaw.
Revelstoke Rainbows is a drop-in program on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 416 2nd St. West. It’s to support the LGBTQ+ community, whether that’s to answer questions about sexuality, provide information, listen to ideas or just to chat.
It can also be used to support and provide education to parents, when their children transition or come out.
“This will be a safe place,” said Erin Maclachlan, with Community Connections.
“We want to help access to learning.”
The organization plans to host local pride events this October. They are also looking for community feedback via a survey on what services people would like to see offered at the drop-in and how to make the LGBTQ+ community more visible in Revelstoke.
Separately, the City of Revelstoke said it also plans to install a rainbow sidewalk soon downtown.
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