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A London-based LGBTQ organization has plans to launch a virtual community hub this fall – with an eye on a physical centre some day – thanks to an Ontario Trillium grant.
“London has no community centre for the community. We’re trying to create that space,” Abbey Buist, program director for Why We March, said Saturday.
That centre will first be an online gathering place, prismcommunityhub.ca, Buist and other leaders announced at a news conference.
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“It’s difficult to find the (physical) space. We’re trying to go virtually and offer virtual programming,” Buist said.
The virtual centre can be created because of an $11,100 community resiliency grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
“This grant is not just a financial contribution, but a palpable affirmation of resilience, and strength and vibrancy of our community,” Why We March March executive director Dustin Boam said.
Started six years ago, Why We March is an advocacy and support group that was running programs and gatherings at Innovation Works London.
But costs there have risen and it makes more sense to go virtual for the time being, Boam said. The Trillium resiliency fund was set up to help organizations recover from the pandemic, he said.
“Our resiliency is taking that virtual step and allowing us to do more.”
The Prism website exists, but won’t be fully functional with full programming for a few months.
The grant has allowed the organization to buy the equipment, including web cams and other online gear, to set up the virtual community centre, Boam said.
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“Why We March is about building the community and bringing everybody together again. We want people to connect and socialize, because that’s really lacking after the pandemic,” he said.
“The impact of this grant is profound. It allows us to offer virtual support, which is a lifeline for many who struggle with acceptance and identity. We will enhance our programs, create safer spaces and provide vital services that address the unique challenges that are faced by our community.”
The grant will also help Why We March’s advocacy work and educational programs, he said. “It empowers us to step up against discrimination, celebrate our diversity and to ensure that every voice in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is valued and heard.”
The organization applied for city hall funding to help with the centre, but was rejected, Boam said.
“It’s a battle uphill but it’s a good battle to do. It’s a good cause and this will really help the community in the long run,” he said.
For more information, visit WhyWeMarch.lgbt
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