ATHABASCA — Sometimes we just need a place to feel safe, where we can be our authentic selves without judgment and that is the point of a local Pride picnic that is being held June 4 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The Athabasca United Church has been a welcoming place for Eryn Straube, who identifies as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community, and now she wants others to feel welcome too.
“I grew up here and experienced a lot of non-acceptance,” Straube said May 29. "When I came back, I noticed that there weren't any resources and when I was struggling with some issues related to sexual identity, the United Church was really the only place that actually helped me. So, I thought, we could work together and make somewhere to celebrate the diversity of people.”
Straube has been out gathering donations and door prizes and while that may seem not a big deal, it can be for someone in a marginalized community.
“I was nervous. I honestly went to businesses I knew wouldn't be mean to me,” she said.
And June 5 during the church service there will be a presentation by a psychologist who specializes in working with queer people about the importance of mental health professionals understanding queer culture, plus what not to say if someone comes out.
“Things that might be well-intentioned, but not helpful,” Straube said. “Like, 'It’s just a phase’, or ‘You’ll change your mind when you meet the right person.’”
The point of the picnic, which will include face painting and other activities, is to bring everyone together, people who identify as LGBTQ2S+ as well as cisgender people, so everyone feels like they belong.
“It's a place where we can connect and then maybe in the fall, we'll hopefully start a support group or some programs,” said Straube.
The picnic and church service are free and open for all to attend.
