Lethbridge’s GLBTA community is celebrating a milestone this year. GALA/LA or The Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Lethbridge and Area will be celebrating its 20th year serving the queer community.

Mickey Wilson, President of GALA/LA took time to talk to GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine about the past 20 years, and what lies ahead.

"The GALA/LA originated as the Southern Alberta Gay Equality group in the 1980’s. In 1991 it re-emerged into the group it is today. One of our current board members, Dave Mabell has been with us from the beginning."

"GALA/LA is a dynamic, growing organization that is making a difference in our community. GALA/LA works with every one of the growing mosaic of LGBTTQ organizations in Lethbridge and others in Calgary, Medicine Hat and beyond. When asked, we support and sponsor other local queer organizations as well as other agencies and groups in Lethbridge and area by providing money, volunteers and supplies and equipment as we are able. And even beyond our community, partnerships with organizations in the larger community continue to increase."

"It is our hope that GALA/LA, along with the other members of the rich mosaic of LGBTTQ community organizations and passionate individuals, can continue to move forward toward the goal of creating a city and region free from all forms of oppression and discrimination."

"As 2010 comes to a close, we want to share with you all the many accomplishments, successes and amazing steps forward that GALA/LA has made in the past eight months, each one of them with the members of our local LGBTTQ community in mind. We will continue to move forward with all of this work in 2011, redefining ourselves as a valuable and necessary resource and presence in the community."

Enterring 2011, the current board is proud of their accomplishments over the past year.

"The current GALA/LA board has strengthened the organizational structure by developing good policies to govern and protect the organization. Procedures and policies ensure responsible and respectful governance. Our committees have been streamlined under key areas of operation."

"Strong partnership development has been a hallmark of the past year. As a result GALA/LA has a strong presence in the larger community and is involved in and invited to an increasing number of initiatives and events such as Pink Shirt Day, Homeless Connect and City Council presentations."

More partnerships include Lethbridge Family Services, Immigrant Services, The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Regional Police Services, Woman Space, The Southern Alberta Ethnic Association, YWCA, The City of Lethbridge and the Government of Alberta, to name a few.

In the future, GALA/LA has much to look forward to. There will be a much needed group for queer youth kicking off in late January, and many groups created last year will be repeating this year. Some of these include rafting, hiking, bowling, a book club, Trans coffee nights, and dances. The redevelopment of the website will launch in mid-January, and last-but-not-least, GALA/LA will be changing its name! Make sure to check out their website to submit your ideas for a name change.

GALA/LA is a shining example of how communities can strengthen every year. Congratulations and here’s to another 20 years!