Rooted in the diverse heritage of Treaty 6 territory, the Lacombe Pride Society is a beacon of
inclusion and support. We
champion the rights and well-being of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies in Lacombe and surrounding
areas.
Our mission
is to cultivate a welcoming, safe, and vibrant environment where everyone can thrive. Through
advocacy, education, and
community events, we foster understanding and celebrate diversity. We strive to ensure that every
person, regardless of
their identity, feels valued and empowered. Join us in building a Lacombe that embraces, respects,
and cherishes the
richness of all its people.
* Queer Centric: Lacombe Pride society is first and foremost for the queer community, by the queer
community. Our
programming and events seek to foster a vibrant, inclusive community where the diverse identities and
experiences of
2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are celebrated, affirmed, and prioritized, promoting empowerment, visibility, and
solidarity.
* Safety: We desire to make people feel safe to be celebrated for who they are, fostering a culture of
inclusivity,
empathy, and support, where everyone's boundaries and dignity are honoured, and proactive measures are
taken to prevent
and address any instances of harm or discomfort.
* Community Oriented: We love Lacombe and want to see it thrive. From local volunteering, collaborating
and partnering
with like minded groups and individuals, promoting agencies that have different missions in growing and
strengthening
Lacombe & surrounding area, and promoting inclusivity of all.
* Transparency: In all that we do, we seek to operate with a posture of honesty, integrity, and
accountability. Seeking
to establish and maintain best practices, while commiting to learn from our shortcomings and
mistakes.Respect:
Acknowledging the inherent worth, dignity, and rights of individuals, as well as their beliefs,
identities, and
boundaries. We live this out by treating others with kindness and empathy, actively listening to their
perspectives,
stories, and experiences, while refraining from actions or speech that could cause harm or
offense.
Candice
A devoted mother to four amazing kids, three of whom are queer. Through her personal experiences,
she understands the importance of love and acceptance for everyone. Candice empowers her children to
decide how they
express their pride, supporting their desire to be vocal and visible in the LGBTQ+ community.
After running a successful preschool in Lacombe for over a decade, Candice shifted her focus to advocate
for the LGBTQ+
community. Her love for her community runs deep, evident in her efforts to build inclusivity through the
Lacombe Pride
Society. She has also been involved in local leadership roles and advocacy for childcare educator
support.
Beyond her activism, Candice finds joy in spending time with her husband and children, enjoying
activities like Settlers
of Catan, crafting, and hiking. She has a desire to explore the world and shares her home with a
delightful assortment
of furry friends.
Candice is a lifelong learner, always open to new ideas. If you meet her in Lacombe, feel free to say
hello and share
your perspectives on creating a safe city for everyone.
Jason
Compassionate with a deep love for people. With a background in nonprofit management,
fundraising, and policy writing spanning a decade, he eagerly contributes to the mission of Lacombe
Pride Society. Jason
is driven to create a safe, welcoming, and celebratory environment for all in Lacombe. His focus lies in
nurturing
mental health, preventing suicide, and establishing support systems that empower individuals to thrive.
Having extensive frontline experience, Jason has worked with diverse groups of young people. He has
supported
street-level and gang-affiliated youth in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside and surrounding communities, as
well as suburban
and immigrant teens in the Edmonton area. In 2021, he transitioned to the construction industry while
remaining
committed to serving the community through Lacombe Pride.
During his leisure time, you can find Jason barefoot in his garden, enjoying playful moments with his
children, and
experimenting with fermenting various foods and beverages. He relishes camping, hiking, and exploring
new wilderness
spaces alongside his wife, Aleesha, whenever they manage to escape the responsibilities of their urban
homestead near
downtown Lacombe. Together, they prioritize land stewardship, raising compassionate individuals, and
fostering a spirit
of generosity among their friends and neighbors.
Rochele
A hardworking volunteer of the Lacombe Pride Society, who brings a remarkable combination of
professionalism, creativity, and unwavering dedication to our community. With her extensive experience
as a project
manager, Rochele excels in organizational prowess and adeptly navigates complex tasks. Her attention to
detail, coupled
with a passion for arts and crafts, adds depth and versatility to her skill set, making her an
invaluable asset to our
team. Rochele's ultimate aspiration for the Pride Society is to cultivate a loving and culturally
vibrant community in
Lacombe, where our youth feel a deep sense of belonging without having to seek it elsewhere.
During her leisure time, Rochele finds joy in volunteering, creating art, writing, and sewing—an
embodiment of her
diverse interests. As an openly LGBTQ+ individual, she passionately advocates for diversity and
inclusion,
wholeheartedly committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within our community.
Jonathan
Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, with three siblings, Jonathan moved to Red
Deer around the age of 10 but quickly realized it wasn't their cup of tea. Within six months, they found
their true home
in Lacombe and have been rooted there ever since. Despite not being a native, Lacombe holds a sacred
place in Jonathan's
heart and will forever be their beloved hometown.
A true lover of the arts, Jonathan's heart belongs to creativity. Whether it's capturing photos of every
little flower
or indulging their boundless energy due to ADHD, they thrive on artistic expression. Hiking, camping,
biking, dancing,
makeup artistry, community building, learning from others, savoring coffee, and diving into new hyper
fixations are some
of the things that bring Jonathan joy. Don't be surprised to spot them strolling around town, basking in
the sunshine.
They're always open to connecting with new friends and discovering the stories of the remarkable people
in this
beautiful community.
Jonathan expresses heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to be welcomed into the community, working
together to create
an even more beautiful town that everyone can proudly call home.
