Summer of Love 2024: We Flourish Everywhere

This summer, our "Summer of Love 2024’" campaign took us on an incredible journey across British Columbia, where we had the privilege of connecting with diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in places large and small. Guided by our theme, "We Flourish Everywhere," we witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, and joy of queer, trans, and Two-Spirit folks in every corner of the province.

A Celebration of Pride Across BCOur travels took us from the northern reaches of Fort St. John to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, and from the bustling streets of Richmond to the serene landscapes of the South Okanagan. Each stop on our journey offered a unique glimpse into how queer communities are thriving in BC, far beyond the city limits of Vancouver.In Fort St. John, Pride Society facilitator Lyle Goldie (he/him) shared with us the importance of celebrating Pride in a place often overlooked. “Diversity and inclusion exist in the North; we’re all northerners. We can come together and celebrate no matter where we are,” Lyle said. The turnout for their first Pride event shattered assumptions, proving that the desire to connect and celebrate is alive and well in the North. This year’s event was no different with fantastic drag performances and community members showing up to celebrate Pride!

Similarly, in Armstrong, Madison reflected on how Pride has become a beacon of visibility in a small town. “Even just to see who our supporters are...that helps in day-to-day life in a small town, knowing who you’re safe with.” In communities like Armstrong, the presence of Pride is not just about celebration; it’s about creating a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.On the Sunshine Coast, the team in Sechelt emphasized the significance of making the queer community visible. As Laura (they/them) put it, “There are some people on the coast who don’t know there’s a queer community here; it’s important to put it out there.” For many, the Coast offers refuge, and building a strong, visible community has become a way to ensure that everyone knows they belong.

Expanding Our Reach: MindMap BCAt QMUNITY, we believe that support for queer, trans, and Two-Spirit folks shouldn't be confined to major cities. As BC’s queer, trans, and Two-Spirit resource center, our mission is to provide accessible services and support to communities throughout the province. This summer, we expanded our reach, visiting places like Smithers, Chilliwack, and the Comox Valley, ensuring that our presence and support are felt far and wide.This year we introduced MindMap BC which is a database of outpatient mental health services, resources, and related supports. Where possible, we have selected services that are 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, free, low-cost, or sliding scale, and self-referral services—meaning you do not need to see a doctor before accessing the service. We met with community members this summer to work on populating MindMap with accessible 2SLGBTQIA+ services and programs across BC. If you know of any providers who are not already on MindMap please reach out at mindmapbc@qmunity.ca.We’re incredibly grateful to the Pride societies, organizers, and community members who welcomed us with open arms. Your dedication to fostering inclusive and supportive spaces in your communities is inspiring, and we are honored to have been a part of your celebrations.

Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Accessible ServicesAs we reflect on this summer, we are reminded that our work is far from over. We remain committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks across the entire province. Whether through counseling, community events, peer groups, or educational resources, our goal is to continue supporting and uplifting queer communities everywhere in BC.Thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey. Together, we’re proving that We Flourish Everywhere! Here’s to many more summers of love and celebration.