CFN is very happy to annouce that our friends and partners at Calgary Pride have made the Grand Marshals of this year's parade 2SLGBTQ+ refugees. There can be perhaps be no better representation of just what Pride symbolizes than the incredible resilience of those that must flee their homes for no other reason than simply being who they are.
CFN also couldn't be more proud of our Director of LGBTQ+ & Vulnerable Population Services, Boban Stojanovic, who fled his home country as a LGBTQ+ refugee and who is now A Canadian citizen making an impact on the lives of refugees here in YYC.
CFN is honoured to have been a part of this process and is as excited as we have ever be a part of this year's Calgary Pride Parade. See you there in September!
For more information contact Boban Stojanovic at 403-614-1465 / boban@centrefornewcomers.ca
Press Release from Calgary Pride
Calgary Pride is honoured to announce this year’s Pride Parade Grand Marshals are 2SLGBTQ+ refugees who now call Moh’kinsstis (Calgary) home.
Working closely with the End of the Rainbow Foundation and the Centre for Newcomers, Calgary Pride is centering the complexity and intersectionality of 2SLGBTQ+ immigration at this year’s parade. These community organizations help 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers resettle on Turtle Island (North America) and build new and better lives through services, private sponsorships, and the support of our communities.
Calgary Pride recognizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating those among us who have left everything behind and now call Turtle Island home. Moh’kinsstis has been a gathering place since time immemorial – this year’s Parade Marshals will continue to honour this tradition. The Grand Marshals are bridging the rainbow from Africa, Eastern Asia, Western Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, bringing with them their lived experiences and stories. 2SLGBTQ+ refugees are a symbol of the courage and resiliency the Pride Movement stands for.
The Pride Movement was born inside a riot – a fight for the right to exist, free from persecution. Over the past 50 years, human rights have advanced across Turtle Island – shifting from protest to celebration. However, there is still work to be done and the fight is far from over. There are currently close to 70 countries around the world criminalizing homosexuality. Criminalization affects all groups within the 2SLGBTQ+ community – even here on Turtle Island . In some countries, no clear legal framework exists to protect 2SLGBTQ+ people. In others, laws exist only as declarations without implementation.
With the inclusion of refugee Grand Marshals from 2SLGBTQ+ communities, Calgary Pride will draw further attention to the ongoing fight for human rights here at home and around the world.
Starting September 4th at 11:00am, the Calgary Pride Parade Grand Marshals will lead the march and celebration through the parade route.
If you would like to schedule an interview please contact:
Brit Nickerson (she/they)
Communications Manager
Calgary Pride
403-536-4077
brit@calgarypride.ca
or
Boban Stojanovic (he/him)
Director or LGBTQ+ & Vulnerable Population Services
Centre for Newcomers
403-614-1465
boban@centrefornewcomers.ca
About End of the Rainbow Foundation
End of the Rainbow Foundation is a Calgary-based organization that helps 2SLGBTQ+ refugees worldwide find a better life in Calgary.
Through our programs, all those interested can learn about the specific experience that queer immigrants go through. Also, through the volunteering program, we provide the opportunity for people to help 2SLGBTQ+ refugees.
One of our most important programs is our sponsorship program. Every donation to our foundation increases the chance of saving a life. If you want to learn more, please, visit: www.endoftherainbow.ca
About Centre for Newcomers
Centre for Newcomers is the leading settlement agency in Calgary. For more than 30 years, the Center has been helping newcomers to settle in Calgary.
The Center for Newcomers unique is the program specially created for 2SLGBTQ+ users. Through this program, the Center supports all groups of immigrants who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ persons. A special focus was placed on asylum seekers and overseas refugees. For more information, visit: https://www.centrefornewcomers.ca/lgbtq
About Calgary Pride
Calgary Pride is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization. Our mandate is to advance visibility and inclusion for Calgary’s gender and sexually diverse communities; to do this, we endeavour to build strong community partnerships, implement ongoing programs like Reading with Royalty, Queerly Festive, Evolve: Pride Amplified, and Calgary’s premier celebration of diversity, Calgary Pride Week, Parade & Festival.
Calgary Pride proudly serves Treaty 7, on the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), ÃŽyarhe Nakoda (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Wesley) and the Tsuut’ina. This land is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. This place, where the Elbow river meets the Bow, is known by many names to many people, including MohkÃnstsis (Niitsitapi), Wincheesh-pah (Nakoda), Kootsisáw (Tsuu’tina), Otos-kwunee (Cree), and Calgary (English).
We thank the Indigenous communities of Turtle Island for both the historic and ongoing stewardship and protection of the land we collectively inhabit today. Many nations and people, Indigenous and non, are fortunate to call Moh’kinsstis and Treaty 7 territory our home. Acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol, which we honour as a step towards reconciliation and fulfilling our responsibilities as Treaty people. Working alongside all Nations, Indigenous and non, we strive to create safe spaces where everyone can live openly and authentically.