THE GOOD PLACE
Good Times
Niagara Pride celebrates the region’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community every day of the year.
By Sarah Laing
(Above) Enzo De Divitiis, chairperson at Pride Niagara, was born and raised in St. Catharines and Thorold. (Below) One of last year’s standout moments for the organization was performing for residents at long-term care homes across the Niagara region. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PRIDE NIAGARA
You might assume that Pride Niagara is all about the festival itself, but it actually operates year-round in a myriad of ways that go far beyond their flagship summer Pride celebrations. Since 2010, Pride Niagara has been on a mission to care for — and celebrate — the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Niagara region. “At the end of the day, our goal is to help people feel seen, supported and proud to be part of Niagara’s diverse communities,” says Enzo De Divitiis, chair of the community-based not-for-profit’s board. Each month, Pride Niagara hosts a social night in downtown St. Catharines that spotlights local 2SLGBTQIA+ artists. The rainbow flag-raising ceremony during Pride month, family-friendly drag story time and the annual Pride prom are just some of the events that have brought the community together. And their all-ages drag brunch is so popular that it has two seatings. The org also hosts the Niagara UNITY Awards, honouring local folks for acts of unity, including “Outstanding School Gay-Straight Alliance” and “2SLGBTQIA+ Positive Business.” “The big ‘why’ behind Pride Niagara is rooted in the need for visibility, safety and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Niagara Region, as well as the need for real connection and community,” says De Divitiis. “For many, especially in smaller or more isolated communities, there haven’t always been opportunities to meet others, build relationships or gather in affirming social spaces.” Pride Niagara may be most visible during Pride season, but its commitment to supporting and representing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continues every day of the year. “Through ongoing events, partnerships and community outreach, we create opportunities for social connection, resource sharing and visibility.” According to De Divitiis, the organization likes to measure its impact in ways that go beyond just how many people came out to an event. “We pay attention to the stories, feedback and connections people share,” De Divitiis says. “And how our events and programs help them feel seen, supported and connected.” By listening to the community and observing the growth of networks and relationships, the lasting impact Pride Niagara has across the Niagara Region becomes clear. CAA
“The big ‘why’ behind Pride Niagara is rooted in the need for visibility, safety and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Niagara Region, as well as the need for real connection and community.”
At the annual Pride parade, the flag-raising ceremony stands as a meaningful symbol of progress, unity and advocacy. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF PRIDE NIAGARA
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(From left) Enzo De Divitiis, chairperson at Pride Niagara, was born and raised in St. Catharines and Thorold. (Below) One of last year’s standout moments for the organization was performing for residents at long-term care homes across the Niagara region. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PRIDE NIAGARA
(From top) Enzo De Divitiis, chairperson at Pride Niagara, was born and raised in St. Catharines and Thorold. (Below) One of last year’s standout moments for the organization was performing for residents at long-term care homes across the Niagara region. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PRIDE NIAGARA
You might assume that Pride Niagara is all about the festival itself, but it actually operates year-round in a myriad of ways that go far beyond their flagship summer Pride celebrations. Since 2010, Pride Niagara has been on a mission to care for — and celebrate — the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Niagara region. “At the end of the day, our goal is to help people feel seen, supported and proud to be part of Niagara’s diverse communities,” says Enzo De Divitiis, chair of the community-based not-for-profit’s board. Each month, Pride Niagara hosts a social night in downtown St. Catharines that spotlights local 2SLGBTQIA+ artists. The rainbow flag raising ceremony during Pride month, family-friendly drag story time and the annual Pride prom are just some of the events that have brought the community together. And their all-ages drag brunch is so popular that it has two seatings. The org also hosts the Niagara UNITY Awards, honouring local folks for acts of unity, including “Outstanding School Gay-Straight Alliance” and “2SLGBTQIA+ Positive Business.” “The big ‘why’ behind Pride Niagara is rooted in the need for visibility, safety and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Niagara Region, as well as the need for real connection and community,” says De Divitiis. “For many, especially in smaller or more isolated communities, there haven’t always been opportunities to meet others, build relationships or gather in affirming social spaces.” Pride Niagara may be most visible during Pride season, but its commitment to supporting and representing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community continues every day of the year. “Through ongoing events, partnerships and community outreach, we create opportunities for social connection, resource sharing and visibility.” According to De Divitiis, the organization likes to measure its impact in ways that go beyond just how many people came out to an event. “We pay attention to the stories, feedback and connections people share,” De Divitiis says. “And how our events and programs help them feel seen, supported and connected.” By listening to the community and observing the growth of networks and relationships, the lasting impact Pride Niagara has across the Niagara Region becomes clear. CAA