On Saturday, June 24, more than 120 people of all ages celebrated Pride Month in Lanark County at the Gayla hosted by Smiths Falls Pride. Attendees line-danced the night away, indulged in delicious food and drinks, and participated in a silent auction.
The mood was upbeat and celebratory: despite a backdrop of rising hate against the 2SLGBTQ+ community, the Gayla promised a safe space for people to be who they are and to share love for each other.
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What the attendees didn’t know is that someone among them was set to be surprised with United Way East Ontario’s Community Builder Award for creating safe, welcoming, and caring spaces within and for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
United Way believes that everyone in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County deserves to be heard, included, supported, and celebrated for who they are. That’s why it was so important for us to celebrate queer leadership during Pride Month.
During the thank-yous, and right before a spectacular Drag performance from Cleo Taurus, United Way’s Lanark County Regional Director Elle Halladay presented Queer Connect Lanark’s Elizabeth Snyder with a Community Builder Award.
Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow reminded Gayla, “If [people] learned how to hate, they can be taught how to love.” Elizabeth is a shining example of someone who loves her community and inspires others to spread kindness. In rural areas, there isn’t large-scale organized support for queer and trans communities. That’s where Elizabeth comes in, as the driving force of this community.
“In a time when people want us to disappear, we’re appearing louder and prouder than ever.”
—Cathrine, Smith Falls Pride Committee
Elizabeth Snyder. Photo provided by UWEO.
Elizabeth’s quiet determination and perseverance have been instrumental in creating spaces where the queer and trans communities in Lanark County see themselves reflected and respected—from healthcare services to their places of work and everywhere in between.
Elizabeth, as an out lesbian, is a key leader at Queer Connection Lanark, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to increasing the 2SLGBTQ+ communities’ visibility. Her calm, gentle, and welcoming presence makes it easy to connect with anyone on a meaningful level. Elizabeth uses this skill to converse with organizations and businesses to help them understand why fostering diverse, inclusive spaces is essential. Elizabeth also supports members of the community individually who may be struggling with quiet, confidential conversations.
Elizabeth’s advocacy extends well beyond Queer Connection Lanark. When homophobic graffiti appeared in Lanark County, Elizabeth engaged the community and facilitated a forum where the individuals responsible could understand how their actions impacted the community. Elizabeth also supports organizations looking to evolve their policies to create inclusive workspaces.
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Elizabeth’s compassion and empathy are present at every stage of a community member’s life. She leads inclusivity workshops for staff in retirement homes so new residents who identify as queer feel welcome, and engages with youth centres across Lanark County to connect them to appropriate resources and community supports. She is also the go-to contact for schools if they have specific questions or need advice on creating safe and welcoming environments for their students.
Elizabeth’s humble leadership and more than 40 years of advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ rights continue to have an extraordinary impact on the community. Through tireless efforts, she inspires others to become advocates and aid in the betterment of the community. Elizabeth strives to bring out the best in everyone and wants members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to be their best selves. Her contributions ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Diversity can look different in rural communities, but it’s still there, and Elizabeth helps to ignite the flame of inclusivity across Lanark County.
Do you know a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support their community? Our Community Builder Awards program accepts nominations year-round! Nominate a Community Builder today.
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