PRIDE PARADE 2024 – TRELLIS SHOW UP LOUD & PROUD FOR OUR 2SLBGTQIAA+ COMMUNITY
As we reflect on our unforgettable day at the Pride Parade 2024, a warm sense of gratitude washes over us. The event was a whirlwind of color, music, and community spirit, a testament to the power of unity and celebration.
Our goal at Trellis Society remains unchanged: to amplify the voices of the youth we serve and highlight the ongoing housing crisis that disproportionately affects 2SLGBTQIAA+ individuals. By marching in the parade alongside the incredible youth from Aura, Iris, and Infinity, we were able to do just that.
Their enthusiasm and pride were infectious, inspiring everyone around them. As one youth shared, "My favorite part of the parade is seeing the side of Calgary that stands up for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community."
The parade provided a safe and inclusive space for these young people to celebrate their identities and connect with others in the community. As one youth put it, "Being able to be unapologetically gay, being allowed to dress up and be as dramatic and extra as I could ever want, has done incredible things for my self confidence."
Another youth expressed the transformative power of the parade, saying, "It was kind of life changing, and it was the first time I'd ever been in a place with so many other supportive, welcoming people."
The youth's confidence is a testament to the incredible work of our team at Trellis Society. Our case managers provide invaluable support to youth, helping them build independence, manage challenges, and achieve their goals. As one youth shared, "My case manager has made it easy to build rapport with him and has always been very open and helpful when it comes to supporting me with the things I need."
This remarkable project was built upon a foundation of community support. Our team collaborated closely with Xolo Designer, whose expertise in design and creativity were instrumental in transforming our vision into a tangible reality. The float carries a vibrant house with rainbow stretches toward the Trellis logo, representing our commitment to a housing first approach and our steadfast support for the 2SLGBTQIAA+community.
"Xolo Design aims to use the craft, skill, and discipline of design as a tool for social impact, and a channel that integrates different communities. Through our practice we seek to foster a sense of belonging, purpose and pride in each individual and community's authentic self. We see design and its creative and technical adjacent practices as a bridge between ideas and aspirations and how to materialize them. At Xolo we want to be that bridge and serve the community through our practice."
- Xolo Design Team (Ivan Osorio + Ivan Gonzalez)
We extend a special thank you to our neighbors at Protospace and Delta Projects for their outstanding craftsmanship, your dedication to giving back to the community through your skilled work is truly inspiring. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Dunwald & Fleming Enterprises Ltd. for providing us with an incredible base flatbed for our float. This generous contribution enhanced our parade experience, allowing our team and the youth we serve to immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of the event.
The Pride Parade was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of our team, the support of our partners, and the incredible spirit of the 2SLBGTQIAA+ community. We look forward to continuing our work to provide safe, accessible housing and to celebrating with our community again next year!