The Early Days in Lanark County
In 2003, organizers in Carleton Place met and planned a dinner at the Good Food Company attended by 24 people. Four very successful Dinner & Dance evenings were organized at The Barn in Carleton Place over the next few years. It is due to these initiatives that people became connected and began to build informal support networks to break down isolation at a time when Lanark County was much less welcoming to the LGBTQ community. These activists also met with local Member of Parliament and Carleton Place police to advocate for change.
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In 2011, LGBTQ Lanark County found its voice. Dances, PRIDE Proclamation and walking in the Ottawa Pride Parade all contributed to bringing a community together. LGBTQ Lanark County embraced the 'It's Get Better' campaign. A campaign of hope for the future. Through donations from community members, 21 copies of 'It's Get Better' books were donated to schools, public libraries and youth centres in Lanark County. 
The thrill and pride with walking in the
Ottawa Pride Parade The 'Enough is Enough' campaign was conceived after the death of teenager Jamie Hubley on October 18,2011. |
Supporting Kingston Pride
Afternoon of playing pool at the Thirsty Moose in Carleton Place.
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2012 was the year
in which LGBTQ activities expanded to include political action throughout Lanark County. Dances, anti-bullying workshops, Gay/Straight Alliance support and Day of Pink support happened in the following places: Kelford Youth Support (Carleton Place),YAK (Lanark), Perth &District Collegiate Institute, Algonquin College (Perth), TR Legere School (Smiths Falls), TYPS Youth Centre (Almonte), Glen Tay Public School (Glen Tay)Smiths Falls & District High School, YAK (Perth) The 'Enough is Enough' poster campaign began to develop momentum, with 13 prominent Lanark County citizens participating in this endeavour. Pride was declared on September 22nd with a Scavenger Hunt , Picnic at Stewart Park and finishing with a Joplinesque Concert. |
In 2012 Marcus Magdelena presented Dragon's Breath in Perth. This play rocked our world as stereotypes of queer, transgender and differently able people were dismantled. Everyone who knew Marcus' work was touched and impressed. Marcus has since lived in many places but currently lives and works in Victoria, BC.
2012 In Review
2013
Pride was celebrated and anti-bullying workshops continued throughout the county.
From Bystanders to Allies was the powerpoint used for these anti-bullying workshops.
Pride was celebrated and anti-bullying workshops continued throughout the county.
From Bystanders to Allies was the powerpoint used for these anti-bullying workshops.
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Mayor John Fenik Proclaims Pride Day June 1, 2013
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To download the From Bystanders to Allies Powerpoint click on Download File: 
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Social events in 2013 included Queer Beers and a pool night in Carleton Place as well as bowling, ballroom dancing lessons and a beach party. LGBT Lanark County also helped YAK paint their RAINBOW CANOE. A workshop was conducted with the OPP about how to maintain a positive relationship with the LGBT community.
On September 16th, 2013 LGBT Lanark County Civitan Club began and LGBT Lanark County dissolved.
This change brought about the first Pride Parade in Lanark County in 2014.
