Print Edition: May 22, 2013
The Fraser Valley Youth Society (FVYS) is gearing up for their first annual Pride event on May 25.
The afternoon will begin with a march from Matsqui Recreation Centre (MRC) to Civic Plaza at the corner of Trethewey and South Fraser Way, followed by a barbecue, community speeches and in the evening a film screening and panel discussion.
The FVYS is a small non-profit organization specializing in services for youth ages 13-25. They focus on community events, advocacy and connect LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer)-identifying youth with external community resources.
“The focus is on social determination of health,” FVYS coordinator, John Kuipers explained, “And then, looking at our target population, [identifying] what contributes to a healthy, pro-social, contributing, queer member of society, and how can living in the Fraser Valley not negate the fact that somebody can still engage in their community.”