MOSAIC’s award-winning I Belong program has participated in four LGBTQ Pride events in the Lower Mainland this summer and made meaningful connections with LGBTQ organizations, community centres and regional stakeholders.
The colourful summer of I Belong started out with Surrey Pride (June 30th), followed by Vancouver Pride (Aug 5th), Burnaby Pride (Aug 11th ) and New West Pride (Aug 18th). In total, 12 clients, staff members and practicum students from Hong Kong have participated as vendors in the Pride festivities, introducing LGBTQ+ rights around the world.
In particular, MOSAIC was on the organizing committee of Burnaby’s first-ever LGBTQ Pride to represent the voices of newcomer immigrants and refugees in the area. The festival was steered by the City of Burnaby, Burnaby Public Library, The Purpose Society, Vancity and many more agencies. On the day, many newcomers visited MOSAIC’s booth and learned about the services that our I Belong program offers.
Currently, I Belong offers monthly peer support groups, group counselling, one-on-one mentorship in Vancouver, as well as settlement services in Vancouver, Burnaby, New West and Surrey. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ and a newcomer is welcome to the program.
I Belong supports LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning) immigrant newcomers by facilitating discussions around sexuality, gender, race, culture, and class. To learn more, please visit mosaicbc.org/ibelong.
