2SLGBTQ+ Youth
Fernie Pride Society youth initiatives are proudly supported by the Tegan & Sara Foundation, Fierte Canada Pride and the Government of British Columbia.
The T&S Foundation raises awareness and funds, fights for equality and justice through flagship programming and support of grassroots organizations and communities that often go unrecognized by major funding institutions. Please consider supporting this amazing Foundation and visit their website to find out more.
Current 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Events
Visit the events calendar to see any upcoming youth events.
Listed below are various youth projects, including details on the graduate scholarship.
Youth Programming
Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the Elk Valley or South Country?
We want to hear from you! Events are planned based on what youth would like to do and our ability to coordinate events happening.
Past youth events include drag makeup tutorials, pottery nights, arcade nights, skateboard painting workshop, DJ workshop, and participation in parades. Youth are also welcome to attend many Rainbow Connections events, like ski meetups, bowling, and of course the Elk Valley Pride Festival!
2025 Graduate Scholarship Applications
(Now Closed)
Fernie Pride Society is pleased to offer a $500 scholarship to a 2SLGBTQ+ graduating student from an Elk Valley school. In 2025, there is one scholarship offered per community (Fernie, Sparwood, and Elkford).
This scholarship seeks to empower the next generation of 2SLGBTQ+ leaders. Those applying must be furthering their education and show proof of acceptance prior to receiving the funds. Ideally, applicants will have experience with their respective schools GSA and have demonstrated community involvement.
Please submit your application essay to info@ferniepride.ca, email subject line as 2025 FPS Scholarship.
You can determine your own essay topic, but we would like to hear about you.
– Who inspires you?
– Where would you like to see the 2SLGBTQ+ community in 10 years?
– How has your lived experience impacted your educational career?
Please ensure the essay is no longer than 3000 words. Essay should be attached to email in .pdf format and is due no later than Friday, April 18 by midnight.
Meet Our Youth Coordinator Petra!
We are sure that many of you know Petra from the many youth activities that they lead, or from the multiple times that you have seen them out on on the trails, or even from the Flag Raising at the 2025 Elk Valley Pride Festival – however you may know them, we guarantee that you are better for it!
But in case you don’t: Petra (they/them) moved to BC from The Netherlands 6 years ago. The outdoor life has given them a lot of opportunities to explore their queer identity and land in a body that feels like theirs. Through their tennis and snowboard coaching work, they’ve met a lot of the local youth, and they’re excited to create more safe spaces for them to meet likeminded folks, have fun, ask questions, and generally just be the amazing youth that they are.
