Awareness in the Windsor-Essex and LGBTQ community

By Cyrus Chase

People of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer community are feeling more accepted today.

The Windsor Essex Pride Community office was established in the fall of 2008. Things started off rough because at the time homophobia was common in Canada.

There was not a lot of public meetings but rather get togethers which occurred in people’s homes, basements, garages and backyards.

The original plan for the pride centre was to establish a pride community 20 years ago, but it took until 2008 to make this idea a reality. Since then the LGBTQ community has come a long way.
Bob Williams, chairman of the Windsor-Essex County LGBTQ society, said he considers his work in the community to be his greatest accomplishment.

“The conversation has changed in that it is okay to talk about LGBT issues over a cup of coffee, at the dinner table, the work environment and not to be embarrassed and fully understood,” said Williams.

“More and more people are able to discuss it intelligently and wisely and make clear decisions and support their families and have a healthy home life today. That was different years ago.”

In addition to support, there is counseling at the Pride Centre located at 422 Pelissier St., the Teen Health Centre, from telephone help lines that are available such as Kids Help Line and the Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Ralph Frak, a senior member of Windsor Pride is in the LGBTQ community. He drops by Windsor Pride frequently and said the resources, information and guidance has benefited him in many ways.

“There are councilors and other people you can turn to that come in and out of the pride building frequently,” said Frak.

“There are many other people that you can relate to and people who are an open ear you can easily vent to even when you’re down.”

The centre provides a welcome space for anyone belonging to the LGBTQ community, as a space without judgement and persecution

“It is a warm, welcoming, positive and non-judgmental environment, and can help you with literally any problem small or big or just stopping in to say hello,” said Frak.

Williams hopes to see more growth and evolution in the LGBTQ community in the future.

Windsor Pride office opens Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.