Island-wide queer website launched at Victoria Pride

As of this weekend’s Pride Festival in Victoria, members of Vancouver Island’s queer communities will have an easier time finding out about events and resources, thanks to a new online resource – QueerIslandWest.ca.

The QueerIslandWest.com site was created to foster community spirit and connectedness amongst the queer community on Vancouver Island and the smaller Islands. The site fosters community through the “by queers for queers” events calendar, directory with links to queer-friendly non-profit organisations, and opportunities to get involved in the project.

“This website is sure to create wild, wonderful connections between the Island’s queer communities,” said Nicki Laverne, performer and local event organizer (www.uniqueentertainment.ca).

QueerIslandWest.ca is a participatory website – individuals or groups can post their events; non-profits can list their resources; and volunteers can get involved as site editors.

“We hope this site can be a resource and community portal for the diverse people who make up the Island's vibrant queer community,” said David Mielke, Men’s Wellness Program coordinator at AVI.

The project, created by AIDS Vancouver Island’s (AVI) Men’s Wellness Program and Queer Youth Community Development Program along with a few community volunteers was made possible through funding from the AIDS Community Action Program of Health Canada.

For more information, contact Andrea Langlois, communications coordinator, AIDS Vancouver Island at andrea.langlois(at)avi.org or 250-384-2366.