Who We Are & What We Do
Nanaimo Pride Society, under various names and iterations, has been active since 1997.
Nanaimo Pride began as a very small organisation and has been evolving and coming into its own after years of growing pains.
The society’s size and public exposure really took off in 2009, with the election of a supportive Mayor and City Council, as well as a full slate of keen and motivated board members.
In 2019, the Nanaimo Pride Parade & Festival witnessed an incredible turnout of over 20,000 watchers and participants.
This was more than double the numbers from the year before.
OUR HISTORY
Today, we are one of a few national Pride Societies who encourage all people to walk the Pride parade route – generating thousands of people ‘proudly’ walking the streets of Nanaimo for themselves, colleagues, or loved ones. As our community, sponsors, and supporters grow, so too does the opportunity to share who we are, where we come from, and most importantly, our personal pride.
Since the time of its creation, the Nanaimo Pride Society has focused on supporting the inclusiveness, accessibility, and diversity of Pride Week events.
ABOUT US
Nanaimo Pride Society (NPS) is a volunteer based non-profit organisation that relies on the generous support and collaboration of businesses and organisations that share our values & our vision for an inclusive society through financial support, services, donations and advertising. These partnerships enable us to continue providing our free events and services to diverse communities.
Mission
To provide the most comprehensive community resource and support to Nanaimo 2SLGBTQ+ community, including families and allies.
To mount engaging community events which are both attractive to our community and the municipality at large.
Vision
Our vision is to foster a deeper understanding of the diversity in our community, creating a more inclusive society where everyone is truly equal.
Values
Down-To-Earth
Trustworthy
Open-Minded
Helpful
Meet the Team
President / Governance & Partnerships Coordinator
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Nanaimo Pride Society shall have four (4) Director positions dedicated to reflecting diversity and inclusion on the Board for the Society. These positions are reserved for individuals self-identifying as part of a traditionally socially excluded group within the gender and sexually diverse community, including but not limited to: Female identified, Trans-identified, Queer and Trans People of Colour, Indigenous and/or Two-Spirited, Seniors (55+), people living with disabilities, People with HIV, non-binary, etc.
Members of these communities can also be elected to other Director positions in addition to the dedicated positions and are encouraged to do so.