GUELPH

PRIDE COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS

WINTER PRIDE

2018 -2019
GUELPH PRIDE

BY JASPER SMITH

LOOKING
BACK &
MOVING
FORWARD
COMMUNITY
OPEN  one with all of the results
summarized and one outlining the

HOUSE responses of community members

historically not represented or
included in Guelph Pride
programming, presented in red text
throughout this report.
In the early winter of 2017, Guelph
Pride hosted it's first ever
Community Open House. This was in This feedback was
response to growing tensions within
the committee about the lack of
used to develop a new
representation and positive comprehensive
relationships in Guelph Pride as it guiding document for
extends to the wider LGBT2Q+
communities. Guelph Pride,
including new policies
The Open House consisted of a three
hour open house drop-in style event,
around fostering
held at the Common Cafe on Wilson inclusive and
Street, where Guelph Pride welcoming spaces for
organizers were present and open to
answering questions. Additionally, a everyone. 
survey was developed and made
available both at the event, and
We're excited to be on this path of
online through various channels.
learning and growing into an even
better organization, in stride and
The results of this survey were 
solidarity with our communities.
compiled into two separate reports, 
 OPEN HOUSE
50%

40%

REPORT
30%

20%

DEMOGRAPHICS 10%

0%

Who's missing?

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Intersex folks, BIPOC**, Asexuals, 2-Spirit,

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people who aren't out, people who use drugs Relationships
often & those in recovery 40%

Out
Other "Out"ness 30%
21%
24%
20%

10%

0%

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Stealth*
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N/A Male
20% 20%

Gender
Out & Proud
48% 70%

56%

BIPOC/racialized
42%
N/A 8%
19% Female
60%
28%

14%

73%
Historically Under-represented Communities

0%
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73%
N/A
12%
Drug Use
had some kind of post-
40%
Dis/ability***
secondary education
46%
30%

20%
42%

46%
10%
N/A Indigenous
8% 8%
0%
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*Stealth: usually referring to trans people not open about their sex assigned at birth
**BIPOC: acronym referring to communities of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour
***Dis/ability included those living with social, mental, and emotional impairments/barriers
 REVISED
GUIDELINES
2 0 1 7/ 2 0 1 8
GUELPH PRIDE MISSION:
GUELPH PRIDE CELEBRATES DIVERSITY IN SAFER SPACES BY PROVIDING EDUCATION,
PROGRAMMING AND VISIBILITY WITH THE LGBTQI2S+ COMMUNITIES AND BEYOND. WE
WILL DO THIS WORK BY CONTINUOUSLY ADVOCATING FOR ACCESSIBILITY AND
INCLUSIVITY. THROUGH SELF-REFLECTION, CREATIVITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF HISTORY,
THE PRIDE COMMITTEE IS COMMITTED TO CREATING A SENSE OF BELONGING, SAFETY,
CULTURE, AND COMFORT FOR LGBTQ2S+ IDENTIFIED PEOPLES AND THEIR ALLIES.

GUELPH PRIDE VISION: 

WE PLAN ON CARRYING OUT OUR MISSION NOW AND THROUGH THE FUTURE BY
EMBRACING AND HONOURING RADICAL HISTORY. BY APPRECIATING AND CREATING MORE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSE VOICES TO BE HEARD, WE WILL WORK TOWARDS ENABLING
NEW LEADERS TO EMERGE AND FOSTERING CONNECTIONS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES.

GUELPH PRIDE MANDATE:

INVIGORATING AND CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN FABULOUS AND VISIBLE WAYS.
CONTINUING TO PROVIDE ANNUAL PROGRAMMING, EDUCATION, EVENTS AND ACCESS
TO RESOURCES.
STAYING ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR COMMUNITIES BY COLLECTING AND INTEGRATING
FEEDBACK.
CREATING INNOVATIVE OUTREACH WITHIN GUELPH AND WELLINGTON COUNTY AND
SURROUNDING AREAS TO EXPAND KNOWLEDGE OF PRIDE AND FOSTER STRONG
RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, ORGANIZATIONS,
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS, AND THOSE WHO NEED US MOST.

LOOKING
BACK &
MOVING
FORWARD
 Only
PEOPLE
43% LIKED
of all respondants mostly "Connections within our communities"
agree with the vision/mandate
"Has recognized some needs of the
and only community"

41%
"Doesn't include the word 'tolerance'"
"Honouring history, radical, self-
reflection and inclusive"
"Diversity diversity diversity"
of respondants from under- "'Radical' approaches should be

18%
represented communities. approached with thought, from all
points of view"
"It speaks to wanting to find ways to
reach out to the community and to
of those under-represented become more diverse"
explicitly disagreed "Being accountable"
"Radical history"

IS OUR MESSAGE CLEAR?

"Do you understand what Guelph Pride is about,
based on our vision, mission, and mandate?"

Mostly Disagree
Mostly Disagree
3%
6%
Neutral
Neutral
10%
18%

Mostly Agree
47%
Mostly Agree
Somewhat Agree 55%
31%

Somewhat Agree
29%

Respondants from Underrepresented Communities                    All Respondants

BARRIERS TO
PARTICIPATION IN PRIDE
"I feel like the community often feels
sealed off to new members. A lot of
"When events cost too
events seem to be spread by word of much for my budget it
mouth or in closed facebook groups is difficult to work it
between existing members and there
are only certain events that seem to in in order to attend"
run regularly. The only event I've seen
advertised regularly is Fierce, which
"Some trans folks don't feel
isn't an event that appeals to
comfortable with drag events, so
everyone."
maybe just have one per Pride instead
of focusing on that. Alcoholism is also
rampant among the LGBTQI+
"More youth events" community, so again maybe less
alcohol based events so recovering
alcoholics can safely attend"
"Mainly time [of year], also location -
sometimes not always accessible by
"As an older woman I find limited
bus"
opportunity for joining in. Also the
usual inaccessibility of some older
"Knowing what to expect at events
buildings"
determines if [me] and my peers want
to attend, more information about
"Never hear of them"
what an event is like will make those
choices more relevant. While I love to
"Events don't include children and are
attend Guelph Pride dances, half the
held at physically inaccessible places
night will be subsumed by... drag
like the eBar"
performances taking over the dance
floor and the music. Can the dancing
"Never see them advertised anywhere"
continue while drag is happening? OF
COURSE IT CAN! ...make a space for
"Age restriction"
drag AND for dancing to continue, and
I could get my friends to go more
often. It should be a celebration for
everyone!"

"Events for lesbians over 40"

SUGGESTIONS FOR MAKING
PRIDE MORE ACCESSIBLE
"Events need to encourage newcomers "Gender neutral
in a way that doesn't feel threatening.
Maybe more networking events?"
washrooms for all
events, events that
"Accessible locations (for mobility are either free of
devices, gender neutral bathrooms,
etc), and including children either in charge or pay what
the events themselves, or by providing you can (with
childcare during daytime events that
are not inclusive of children due to
suggested price),
content/language" encourage a larger
turnout for PoC"
"Support a Guelph Pride Uber - kind of
like carpooling but cheaper than taxis "Look at who you're catering to. Also
and without the fear of discrimination maybe do - at least - one event
from Uber drivers?" specifically for BIPOC or trans folks,
because having a space for yourself is
"Hold a full day a good way to feel included and
acknowledged"
event"
"Have a variety of events - maybe add
"Always hold in mobility aid accessible more events that include things other
places, advertise in a variety of ways" than clubbing"

"Promotional materials AODA "Organize some events specifics to

compliant" their needs & interests - ie. look at
the needs of LGBT2Q+ seniors"
"Actually reach out to other sites -
reddit for example has a very popular "More informative posters in almost
and safe space(ish) subreddit for every public space"
Guelph."
"Activities for older folks - movie
night, afternoon coffee, or a paint
night"
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

WELCOME

TO NEW BEGINNINGS

JASPER S. & LORI G.

CO-CHAIRS, GUELPH PRIDE 2019

Guelph Pride is due for a growth spurt, for a change, and we're
excited to be here and help facilitate that change with the
help of our communities. New things that we're bringing to
Guelph Pride this year include:
New membership policy, including a code of conduct, anti-
harassment and anti-racism agreements for all planning
committee members as well as all festival volunteers
Mandatory anti-oppression training annually for all
committee members and volunteers
Immediate anonymous feedback surveys available online to
the general public/wider community
Easy one-step third party event application process
Easy one-step volunteer application to increase
involvement in Guelph Pride festivals
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY

2018 WINTER PRIDE

Physically
Percentage of
accessible
Events with our Sober/Dry
EVENTS Four Points of Free
Gender Neutral
Accessibility Bathrooms
No
16%
Queer Community Fair
Pride Denied Movie Screening
QTPOC Murder Mystery
Queer Magic
Profs Meet'n'Greet
Queer Zine Workshop
4 pts of access
Safer Sex Workshop 84%
Fierce! PWYC/ under $5
11%
Discussion on Substance Use
Queer Trivia Not Access.
11%

Queer Slow Dance

No* Free
Out on the Shelf Open House 5% 89%

Polyamory Workshop
Kissing Games Workshop Physically Acces
89%

Queer Knit & Craft Not

16%

QTPOC Play with Clay

Queer Skate Gender Neutral B
Mental Health Workshop 95%

Sober
Operation Soap Tribute 84%

20
15
Percentage of BIPOC

19 events 10
over the course of 10 days.
Specific Events

5
0
ts

s
nt
en

ve
Ev

lE
C

Al
PO
BI
ercentage of Events with

20
15
10
rag Performances

5
0
s

s
ow

nt
ve
Sh

lE
g

Al
ra
D
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY

2018 PRIDE FESTIVAL

Physically
Percentage of
accessible
Events with our Sober/Dry
EVENTS Four Points of Free
Gender Neutral
Accessibility Bathrooms
4 pts of access
25%
Civic Museum Queer Exhibit
Opening
Pride Kick Off Drag Show 
Wellington Queer Beer Launch
Queer Trivia
Board Gaming at the Boardroom
No
Guelph Pride Art Show 75%

Pride Improv Show (The Making

Box) $$
45%
Community Fair & Flag Raising Free
55%
Not Access.
Dance - Ballroom Blitz Drag Show 30%

Pride Pets in the Park 

Trans Potluck, Clothing Exchange Physically Acces
70%
(ARCH) No
45%
OOTS Open House & Workshop Gender Neutral B
55%

Pride Lit
Guelph Pride’s Senior Mix and
Not Sober
50% 50%

Mingle
Floor Play - Double Dutch on
Douglas (Lift Guelph) 20
15
Percentage of BIPOC

Business Networking Event LGBTQ 10

Guelph Pride Pub Crawl
Specific Events

5
0
Fierce! Pride 
ts

s
nt
en

Guelph Pride Volleyball

ve
Ev

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C

Al

Rainbow Knitters
PO
BI
ercentage of Events with

15
10
20 different events
rag Performances

5
over the course of 17 days.
0
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GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

FOCUS ON

ACCESSIBILITY
Guelph Pride is dedicated to increasing the accessibility of our
events so that all members of the community are able to come
and celebrate with us and limit/eliminate/resolve any barriers they
may experience in doing so. All events must have at least 4 of the
following:

ANY EVENT MUST HAVE AT LEAST 4 OF THE

FOLLOWING:

Wheelchair and scooter accessible

venue
Scent-free policy will be in effect
Microphones will be provided for
Not sure wha
performers/speakers t some of the
mean? You c se
ASL translation will be provided a n f in d m o r e
Location is readily accessible by d e t a il s , d e s c
r ip t io n s ,
public transit and during active s t r a t e g ie s , a
n d h e lp f u l
service resources on
o u r w e b s it e
Childcare will be provided for the "About U in
attendees s " s e c t io n !
Event for Queer/Trans People of
Colour (“QTPOC”)
All presenters/performers identify
within LGBTQ2S+ communities
Gender neutral washrooms and/or
single stall
Event is free
Fees are subsidized or a pay-what-
you-can option is available (and
clearly advertised)
All ages event
Youth event for those (19/21) and
under
Sober/dry event
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

LOOKING FORWARD

DATES FOR 2019

'

'
'
° °
°

Winter Pride Potential Dates 2019

Guelph Pride (historically)
Tri-Pride (KWC) Winter Pride
Hamilton Pride Day February 1st - 10th
Toronto Pride
Guelph Pride
Guelph Sexuality Conference April 26th - May 5th
Mother's Day
May 31st - June 9th
May Long Weekend
June 7th - June 16th
V-Day
Ramadan Begins
Chinese New Year
Easter Monday
 GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

OPENING UP THE
CONVERSATION
Suggestions from under-represented communities &
who's feedback/participation we're still lacking

"It's like the queer

community forgets that
queer & trans people
with disabilities even
exist, so having us
specifically included in
pride planning would be
awesome."

Accessible parking More family & youth events

Priority seating Include children
Events earlier in the day Welcoming to new community
Performances by black queer members, including newcomers
and/or trans people Revisit time of Festival
Accessible venues Knowing what to expect 
Accessible bathrooms (gender Address (some) trans folks
neutral, but also not tiny and discomfort with drag
difficult to manuever in) Less alcohol based events
Explicit about accessibility - Opportunities to get involved
"Stairs? Ramps? Rails in the Events for lesbians over 40
bathrooms? Automatic door Carpooling/ride share
openers? Braille? Childcare Seniors events
offered?"
Have queer & trans people with Who's missing?
disabilities on the committee
Greater diversity on the Intersex folks, BIPOC**, Asexuals, 2-
committee Spirit, people who aren't out, people
Accommodations for PTSD (loud who use drugs often & those in
noises) for some/any events recovery

*From the Open House survey 2016-2017

**BIPOC: acronym referring to communities of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

AN OVERVIEW

STRATEGIC PLAN
20%

80%
INCREASE IN SOCIAL MEDIA
ENGAGEMENTS

OF EVENTS 30%
ACCESSIBLE ON 4 MORE IN DONATIONS
POINTS
15%
INCREASE IN DIVERSITY OF
PARTICIPANTS

$1000
40% TO SUPPORT PRIORITY
EVENT ORGANIZERS
MORE VOLUNTEERS
IN 2019 40%
OF EVENTS HAVE EITHER
EDUCATIONAL/ADVOCACY/
HISTORICAL FOCUS

80%

1+
OF ALL EVENTS
ACCESSIBLE ON 4 POINTS

EVENTS FOR BIPOC,

TRANS, YOUTH, AND
FOR SENIORS

"In executing cost-effective projects,

we are able to provide the
community with opportunities
while expanding our reach and
surpassing our goals."
 GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

STATEGIC PLAN

PROMOTIONS &
OUTREACH
How did you hear about us (Winter Pride)
Feedback survey not mentioned in program
100% or at events
Survey was predominantly promoted
through facebook and the website
75%
Programs were well received
Posters included campus poster printing
50% ($50), poster run ($50), kiosk posters ($105),
and a banner in the UC ($100), as well as
25% 11"x14" posters around the community
Paid facebook advertising for the Queer
0% Slow Dance
No instagram presence
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ac

Partnered with Hillside Inside: Queers on

si

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the Street last minute

Po
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ut
W

st

Pr
of

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Fa

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In

Outreach at Fierce! event just before Winter

P

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Pride
W

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2019 STRATEGY

Increase social media presence by cross-

20% promoting on Winter Pride, Guelph Pride,

and partner pages. Repost partner's articles
INCREASE IN SOCIAL MEDIA and posts in support of our communities
Increase volunteer uptake and outreach all
ENGAGEMENTS
year by blasting transition on all channels,
increasing engagement now with volunteer
sign up and new posts on website (policy,

40% documents), share new documents over

time on the page, highlight the
MORE VOLUNTEERS IN 2019 contributions of others/especially
volunteers, utilize instant mobile volunteer
sign up (text based)
Increase outreach by tabling or having a
presence at 5 key events in the 2 months
15% before each festival
Partner will Hillside earlier; approach: Kazoo
INCREASE IN DIVERSITY OF
Fest, Guelph Dance Festival, OIPS
PARTICIPANTS Post on a wider variety of websites, such as
reddit, eventbrite, newspapers, etc (see
promotions toolkit), radio ads on CFRU
More rural engagement
 GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

STATEGIC PLAN

EVENTS &
PROGRAMMING
Priority
5%

Advocacy & Hist. Community

Emphasis on history & advocacy this year's
32% 42% Winter Pride compared to other Pride
programming; well received
Winter Pride had 2 BIPOC events, no trans-
specific (Priority)
Guelph Pride had 1 trans event and no
Priority BIPOC events (Priority)
8%
Advocacy & Hist.
Guelph Pride hosted a Senior's Mix & Mingle,
Education 8% no senior's events with Winter Pride
21%
(Priority)
Education
8% Winter Pride feedback encouraged the
variety of kinds of events and ages of
particpants who came out

Community
77%

2019 STRATEGY

Integrate feedback from surveys - focus on

80% increasing accessibility and diversity of
events by creating minimum accessibility
OF ALL EVENTS
standards, lists of resources
ACCESSIBLE ON 4 POINTS Reduce barriers to priority events - those
by/for under-represented communities by
easing third party application process,

40% procuring funding/bursaries

Host a full day event, focus on variety within
a single effort by encouraging third party
OF EVENTS HAVE EITHER
events to round out the festival
EDUCATIONAL/ADVOCACY/ Focus on more educational workshops,
HISTORICAL FOCUS opportunities for advocacy, explorations of
histories, and art-based events by hosting
more workshops, presenters exploring
1+ histories, current issues presented at key
events, hiring queer/trans artists
EVENTS FOR QTPOC, Aim for at least 1 for each priority group per
TRANS, YOUTH, AND festival - BIPOC, trans, youth, and seniors.
SENIORS
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

STATEGIC PLAN

FUNDRAISING &
SPONSORSHIP

2019 STRATEGY

Be mindful of LGBT2IQ+ relationships with

30% sponsors beyond pride events (banks, etc)
Medium-sized gifts from relevant and
MORE IN DONATIONS
supportive companies
OVERALL Solicit specific gifts (ie Trojan to sponsor
Sexual Wellness workshop tent, or CHC to
sponsor children's/family event)

$1000 Crowdfunding campaign for street party?

Have volunteers soliciting donations day-of
at events where it's appropriate, with
TO SUPPORT PRIORITY
stickers (TO Pride style)
EVENT ORGANIZERS Specifically raise funds to offer budget to
priority event organizers
Direct donations on the website (possible?
20% maybe via OOTS?)

INCREASE IN IN-KIND AND

TIME DONATIONS
 GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

STATEGIC PLAN

COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Winter Pride had 32 recorded volunteers,
60 volunteer sign-up under-developed and late
to launch
No concrete numbers for Guelph Pride,
45
though volunteer retention and accessibility
of volunteer opportunities outlined as an
30 issue
Increase community partnerships; Winter
Pride had strong community organization
15
ties, Guelph Pride focused on sponsors and
donors
0 Limited social media engagement
8

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2019 STRATEGY

Focus on ease of application for both

40% planning committee and volunteer
application, as well as third party event
INCREASE IN VOLUNTEERS
application
FOR BOTH FESTIVALS Input survey as well as anonymous feedback
link continuous on website
Reach out to Hillside Inside, Kazoo, other

5+ Pride festivals, Indigenous Healing Centre,

CHC, more community collaborators
Increase diversity of events and record
THIRD PARTY EVENTS FOR
demographic info at events to further
EACH FESTIVAL capture gaps

15
COMMUNITY
COLLABORATIONS IN
PROGRAMMING/EVENTS
GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

REMEMBER

THE GOOD STUFF THAT

KEEPS US GOING

"It was all awesome!"

- Winter Pride Feedback Respondant

"Getting 60 hugs from strangers at the

Queer Magic event! Making new friends!"
- Winter Pride Feedback Respondant

"Really feeling included, even though I'm

not queer myself"
- Winter Pride Feedback Respondant

LET'S CONTINUE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.

GUELPH PRIDE FESTIVAL

SIGN UP!

JOIN US IN MAKING
2019 OUR BEST YEAR
YET!

Join the planning committee!

Help organize our 2019 festivals!

Run a third party event!

Contribute your own event to our 2019 programming, and
get free advertising and other kinds of support!

Volunteer with the festivals!

Help us in other ways - such as volunteer before, during,
or after the festival - for one event, or a bunch! Lots of
positions and types available - for the introverted,
extroverted, artsy, mathematical, or however you work -
there's a way to contribute!

SIGN UP AT
GUELPHPRIDE.COM
LET'S CONTINUE TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS.