New Squamish LGBTQ Group Plans Conference in May

By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Feb 1, 2015

A new local group to support more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + citizens (LGBTQ+) resources for the community will host an all-day conference on May 9.

The conference, entitled “Someone Like Me,” will include workshops and panel discussions about LGBTQ+ topics and concerns, entertainment, and feature the internationally acclaimed Canadian comedian Elvira Kurt.

Trevor Blackman-Wulff, one of the founders of Safe ’n Sound Squamish, said a resource like Safe ’n Sound would have been invaluable for him during his life in Squamish.

“I am excited for the future with what we are building,” he said.

Organizers of Safe ’n Sound Squamish say they formed the group because they were concerned Squamish lacked LGBTQ+ resources from which the entire community could benefit. Unlike Vancouver and Whistler, which have established organizations, support, and events for LGBTQ+ individuals, Squamish has few services for LGBTQ+ members.

The driving force behind Safe ’n Sound Squamish have been youth from Howe Sound Secondary School’s Diversity Club. The students initially considered holding a Pride Parade but felt that an all-day LGBTQ+ educational conference would better serve the community.

Safe ’n Sound Squamish is in the process of applying to become a registered Canadian non-profit society.

“By creating a safe space for all to enter into a meaningful conversation we can create supportive relationships and build a stronger, more inclusive, community,” said Margo Dent, another founding member of Safe ’n Sound Squamish.

 Safe ’n Sound Squamish has already received some sponsorship from local business,  Squamish Integrated Health, for its keynote speaker, Elvira Kurt. Kurt was voted Funniest Female Comic at the Canadian Comedy Awards and has appeared on CTV, CBC, Jay Leno and the Comedy Network.

The group is asking the public to contribute to the conference. To donate to Safe ’n Sound Squamish and to get more information contact safensoundsquamish@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.