In April, we heard that The Centre was quietly considering relocating its operations out of the gay village without consulting the community it’s meant to serve.
News of the possible relocation reignited a longstanding desire for a vibrant, multi-purpose queer community centre.
At a Jul 9 town hall hosted by Xtra West, about 75 community members gathered to envision their ideal community centre.
A community centre should be a place of celebration, they said. A place to express ourselves on stage and on screen and simply in conversation. A hub in which to hang out and socialize, connect with our roots as a community, share our stories and display our archives. A place to be ourselves, together.
Over and over again, participants called for more than simply support programs and services.
Over and over they dared to dream of something greater than Qmunity’s (formerly The Centre) limited model. You can too.
A working group has now emerged to “enunciate a concept that will lead to the development of a queer community centre.” But it needs your help and your input.
On Nov 3, bring yourselves and your willingness to get to work on creating a new community-driven centre. This may be our last chance to create the multi-purpose community centre we want and deserve.
Next working group meeting:
Nov 3, 7 pm
Central Presbyterian Church, 1155 Thurlow St
(Entrance off back parking lot)