Fernie Pride Society
The Fernie Pride Society supports and connects the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley. Incorporated in December 2016, the Society is a hub for 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies, programming special events as well as providing resource referrals.
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Support Love, Acceptance, and Community
Your donation helps the Fernie Pride Society create safe spaces, celebrate diversity, and build a more inclusive community for all. Every contribution—big or small—makes a real difference in supporting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and allies right here in Fernie.
Donate today and help us keep pride alive in the Elk Valley.
Rainbow Bench Project
Fernie Pride is working with the communities of Elko, Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie to donate and install durable, low-maintenance rainbow benches in all 4 towns.
The Pride benches are a visible sign for residents and visitors that everyone belongs in our Elk Valley communities and that the towns promote the values of equity and inclusion as being vital to the fabric of our towns. They are permanent fixtures that symbolize the importance of acting on these values and finding opportunities to elevate the voices of the 2SLGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Queer Health Initiative
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ in whole health. This project has many sub-projects, including subsidized counseling, free at-home HIV testing kits, gender inclusive washrooms, and pay-what-you-can hair cuts.
Subsidized counseling now available!
2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Fernie Pride Society youth initiatives are proudly supported by the Tegan & Sara Foundation, Fierte Canada Pride and the Government of British Columbia. Fernie Pride recognizes the importance of allowing youth to have a contributing and visible in the community.
To this end, we work with funders and the Elk Valley Youth Pride committee to provide diverse and engaging programming as directed by the people that it impacts the most – the youth! From inclusive sex ed to summer camp to monthly events, there is something for everyone!
Projects & Programs
Fernie Pride Society, with the support of your donations and grant funding, undertakes many projects and programs to support and connect the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the Elk Valley and throughout the Columbia Basin.
In 2024-2027, the Major Projects are creating the Kootenay Pride Guide, and the Queer History Project.
Elk Valley Pride Festival
Mark your calendars: September 16-20, 2026
A rainbow celebration in the mountains! Join us in Fernie for a 5-day celebration of Pride featuring a bike parade, flag raising, Spectrum Queer Arts Day, Rainbow Reads, drag storytime, workshops and education, hiking, biking, drag shows, live music, and so much more!