The Pride Calgary Planning Committee has listened to what the GLBT community has said, and is on its way to making 2009 its best year yet.

From what was originally the Pride Calgary Association, the Pride Calgary Planning Committee consisting of 13 new and returning members, remains focused on its original mission statement:

”Pride Calgary Planning Committee will promote awareness, diversity and pride amongst the GLBTA community (Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender & Allies), during Pride, but also throughout the year. We encourage the involvement of all individuals in the GLBTA community, including friends, family and supporters who share in the vision of Pride. Throughout the year Pride Calgary Planning Committee will organize quality events such as Pride Festival which will include the Annual Pride Parade, Street Gala and other community events that celebrate the unique spirit and culture of the GLBTA community.”

“We respect both the dignity of individuals and the rights of all members of society regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender choice, cultural or ethnic background, colour, age, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic status or political, religious or social affiliation or beliefs. In doing so, we seek to identify and remove barriers to full participation in the activities of Pride Calgary.”

In order to be comparable with Pride organizations in other major cities, Pride Calgary Planning Committee recognized that some changes to its current structure needed to happen. First on its agenda, the Pride Calgary festivities are now going to be held on the September long weekend, which happens to fall on September 5th to 7th this year. This reflects a request by many members of the community to have it during a more favourable weather season, and to have it not overlap with any other Canadian Pride Festival dates.

Pride Calgary Planning Committee has also joined forces with other major Pride organizations in order to strengthen its own organization and to build contacts for future events. The International Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Coordinators, or InterPride, has been a much needed alliance for the Pride Calgary Planning Committee. Now an active member of InterPride, Pride Calgary is advertised as a major GLBT event throughout the world, and is part of a worldwide organization that networks consistently for the common goal of Pride.

The President of Pride Calgary Planning Committee, Sam Casselman, has been a member of the GLBT community of Calgary for the last 13 years. Born and raised in Calgary, Sam has seen the evolution of Pride Calgary. After experiencing Pride festivals in other Canadian cities, she recognized the need for a change to the Pride events in her own city. She is determined to create a Pride Festival in Calgary that is comparable to the level of excitement generated by other Pride festivities in Canada.

“Everyone needs to be a part of Pride and support Pride for it to be a success,” says Casselman. “Whether or not an active participant in the community, we need you to come out and participate in the Pride festivities. Think about what you were going through when you came out. How great would it be for to see thousands of people come together to celebrate their community.”

Pride Calgary 2009 is guaranteed to be the best Pride that Calgary has ever seen. However, iIn order for it to be a great success, the support of the GLBT community and its allies is essential. Continual support from the staff and owners of Money Pennies, and Gay Calgary and Edmonton Magazine has been greatly appreciated.

Pride Calgary Planning Committee encourages everyone to join its Facebook page to keep up to date on events and fundraisers that are going to be happening. Please leave any comments, concerns, ideas, questions, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries you may have.