We are a small but passionate grassroots organization.
The Chilliwack Pride Society operates on S’ólh Téméxw, the traditional, unceded territories of the Pilalt and Ts’elxweyeqw Stó:lō Coast Salish peoples, and honor them as the rightful keepers of this land.
We have a responsibility to this land and community and commit to learning how to decolonize our perspectives and worldviews.
We Recognize the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) as a framework for reconciliation, as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The 2024 Chilliwack Pride Society is in it’s 5th year of operation.
Our story all began with a dream of bringing people together.
In 2019, a small group of friends hosted what they thought would be a small BBQ Pride celebration in Chilliwack. What they never expected was the overwhelming response of the community as over 700 Chilliwack locals came pouring in to celebrate! This event became Chilliwack’s first EVER Community Pride experience!
After seeing the incredible response and need from the community, the Pride Society was formed in late 2019.
Then, in 2020 – COVID hit. We held a socially distanced Pride scavenger hunt featuring supportive and inclusive local businesses!
In 2021, we hosted the first-ever Chilliwack Pride Festival in partnership with the Downtown Chilliwack Community Market and saw over 10,000 attendees! Since then, we’ve hosted numerous community events such as twice monthly Drag Bingos, annual Youth Dances, community fundraisers, monthly Queer Cafe hang-outs and more!
In 2022, we hosted Chilliwack Pride for the 4th time, seeing over 20,000 attendees, and set the stage for Chilliwack’s annual pride festival to become the pillar event in our city’s community that it is today.
Now, Chilliwack Pride doesn’t just organize a single event once a year. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, community partners and members, we are able to host and support year-round events for the 2SLGTBQIA+ community and our allies.
Our dreams for the future are only growing and we can’t wait to see what we’re able to accomplish together!
The way to achieve meaningful and lasting social change is by working together.
Chilliwack Pride’s Board Directors, past and present, are still united to support, promote, and create safe spaces for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Chilliwack. The current directors of the Chilliwack Pride Society are all serving their first term with the Society, bringing with them fresh perspectives, passion, and excitement for this work.
We are so grateful to receive the continued support of our incredible community. We promise to uphold and operate to the standards set by our predecessors and to bring about a new practice of transparency and accountability within our organization.
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All people will be free to live as their whole and authentic selves safely, openly, equitably, and proudly where they are valued and feel a sense of belonging. Everyone, no matter who they love or how they identify, will be known, accepted, celebrated and included in all aspects of society.
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We work to support, promote and create safe spaces for our Two-Spirit and LGBTQIAP+ communities in Chilliwack through education, advocacy, representation, and inclusive experiences.
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The following values guide the work of the Chilliwack Pride Society:
Safety – Safety stands as a paramount value, forming the bedrock of our commitment to fostering a community where we all feel included and have a sense of belonging. We prioritize the physical, emotional and cultural well-being of every individual, striving to create environments that are free from discrimination, harassment, and harm.
Understanding – We embrace the transformative power of understanding. Our commitment is to create spaces where diverse intersectionality and experiences are not only acknowledged but embraced. Through continuous learning, active listening, and promoting a culture of curiosity, we strive to deepen understanding within and beyond the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community.
Equity - We recognize that true inclusion requires a deliberate focus on dismantling systemic barriers and promoting fairness. We actively work towards addressing disparities, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering a culture of understanding and allyship to ensure that all individuals can thrive, contribute, and participate in every aspect of our community.
Accessibility - We are unwavering in our commitment to accessibility as a fundamental pillar. We believe in creating events, spaces, and initiatives that are accessible to all members of our diverse community. By championing accessibility, we strive to break down barriers, foster equitable opportunities, and ensure that every individual can engage fully with Chilliwack Pride.
Collaboration – We believe that the collective strength of diverse minds working together creates a common sense of purpose for greater impact. Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond our 2SLGBTQIAP+ communities and includes allies, partners, sponsors and supporters. Together, we strive to create a culture where every voice is valued, ideas are shared freely, and collective efforts lead to sustainable success for all.
Representation - We recognize the profound importance of representation in creating safe and welcoming spaces for all 2SLGBTQIAP+ people. By championing representation, we contribute to the broader tapestry of our community, fostering understanding, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all.
Empowering youth - We believe in fostering an inclusive and affirming environment that empowers 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth to embrace their authentic selves, free from judgment and discrimination. We aim to empower these young people to confidently navigate their journeys, pursue their aspirations, and contribute positively to society, ensuring a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.