I am back with another exciting announcement as it relates to our monthly Cameo donation for the month of June! In support of Pride Month, we welcomed, Logan & Anthony, Nick North, and Chris Allen to the blog to share their journey as it relates to LGBTQ2IAS+; it was so nice to chat with them all virtually (you can watch those interviews over on the @jhthebrand Instagram page!), and their blog contributions were equally as amazing. With that being said, in honour of Pride Month, with your help, we were able to raise $2,000 through Cameo and decided to reinvest it into a Kelowna-based LGBTQ2IAS+ focused organization, The Etcetera Youth Group.
What is The Etcetera Youth Group?
The name “Etcetera” reflects the diversity of the young people who participate in the program, including those whose identities are more varied and expansive than what could ever be fully described in an acronym. We are better known as Kelowna’s “Glitter Critters” and our weekly sessions provide a space where members are free to be creative and social, enjoy snacks, and sparkle as our true selves.
Etcetera brings queer youth together in an intersectional, dynamic, and supportive space where you can: explore identity, forge friendships, build your sense of self-worth, find resources for mental and physical health, and gain empowerment for yourself and others. Our members are 11-18-year-olds who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Allies, and More). We provide a space where you can make lasting friendships – you might even meet your new best friend here! Etcetera also supports networking for parents and caregivers, provides youth leadership training, and occasionally hosts or participates in special events.
As a grassroots initiative supported by many organizations and community partners, Etcetera works to make Kelowna a city where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are valued as integral to the fabric of our community tapestry.
For those of you that have booked a Cameo this month or any month for that matter, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting so many local and surrounding organizations! If you are looking for a unique gift for someone, whether it’s a birthday message, gender reveal, or congratulations message, you can book a Cameo from me here.
xo
Jilly
