The Battlefords Pride committee is planning to open a drop-in centre to create a safe space for the LGBTQ community. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Pride plans

Pride committee planning fundraiser gala to support new LGBTQ drop-in centre

Dec 23, 2019 | 4:48 PM

Battlefords Pride has a plan to start a new drop-in centre for LGBTQ people in the area as early as next spring or summer.

Bobbisue Thompson, the committee’s president, said the group started working on the concept for a drop-in site to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer population some time ago.

“We realize there is a great need in the community,” she said.

Thompson said currently there is nowhere for LGBTQ people to meet or go as a safe space.

“There will be a friendly ear to listen,” she said of the centre, adding visitors can also simply come in and have a coffee and rest.

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Thompson said 40 per cent of homeless youth in Saskatchewan identify as LGBTQ, so there needs to be more support in the community on a local level.

The group is still looking for a location for the drop-in site but is currently focusing on trying to raise funds to support the project.

“The more we have, the better location we can come up with,” Thompson said.

To help start the fundraising initiative, the group plans to hold a gala night on Feb. 1 called “A Touch of Class.” The event will feature a dinner as well as a dance and drag show.

People can choose to attend both events or just one. Tickets will be available through the Pride committee as well as some community businesses in January.

The dance and drag show will take place at the Don Ross Centre; the committee is still arranging the dinner venue.

Thompson said the event will be family friendly, or what she called ‘PG-13’ – similar to the popular drag show that was held during Pride Week in North Battleford this year.

“It will be a little bit bigger and a little more elaborate,” Thompson said of the event.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW