Local voices, community supports, and resources across Lanark County
June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the diversity, strength, and lived experiences of LGBTQ2S+ communities.
It is also a time to acknowledge that while progress has been made, many people still face barriers to feeling safe and accepted—especially in smaller and rural communities.
At Lanark Community Alliance (LCA), Pride reflects something we work toward every day: creating communities where people feel respected and able to be themselves. This happens through small, meaningful moments—feeling heard, being valued, and knowing there is a place for you.
As part of that work, we are sharing local voices, community supports, and resources to help strengthen connection across Lanark County.
Community Voices
Sometimes, the most meaningful place to start is by listening.
Lanark County Voices – There is a Place Here for Me is a locally created film by Queer Connections Lanark, featuring 13 individuals from across the region.
Their stories offer a glimpse into people’s lives across Lanark County—exploring identity, challenges, and hopes for the future. They reflect how community is built, the progress that has been made, and the importance of continuing to create environments where people feel accepted and valued.
Finding Connection Close to Home
Across Lanark County, there are places where people can connect, ask questions, and feel supported.
Parent Connection Groups in Almonte and Carleton Place offer caregivers a place to share experiences and learn from one another.
Queer Coffee at ConnectWell Community Health in Smiths Falls provides a relaxed environment for LGBTQ2S+ community members to gather and build relationships.
These opportunities may be simple, but they can make a real difference—especially in smaller communities where connection helps reduce isolation.
Queer Connection Lanark also maintains an events calendar featuring community gatherings, Pride events, workshops, and opportunities to connect throughout the year. View upcoming events: https://www.queerconnectionlanark.ca/events.html
Supporting One Another
Whether you are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community, supporting someone you care about, or looking to learn, small actions matter.
For the people we support at LCA, including individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, feeling understood and respected is especially important.
Support can begin with:
- Listening without judgement
- Respecting chosen names and pronouns
- Creating room for open conversations
Across the region, community organizations and professionals are also working to create more inclusive and affirming environments, helping ensure that people feel supported both in their communities and within the services they rely on.
Access to inclusive resources and meaningful connections can make a lasting impact for individuals and families.
Creating Inclusive Communities
Inclusion is built through everyday actions:
- Use respectful language
- Avoid assumptions
- Listen openly
- Help create welcoming environments
- Continue to learn about LGBTQ2S+ experiences and perspectives
These small moments shape how people experience their community.
Local and National Resources
Local
- Pride in Mississippi Mills: Community events, education, and resources that support inclusion and allyship across Lanark County.
- Queer Connection Lanark County Resource Directory: A local directory of supports, including youth, family, mental health, and affirming services.
National
- Kids Help Phone (24/7): Free, confidential support for young people across Canada.
- Trans Lifeline: Peer support run by and for trans people.
- CMHA Ontario: Mental health resources, programs, and community support.
- PFLAG Canada: Support for LGBTQ2S+ individuals, families, and allies.
A Shared Commitment
Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, support one another, and continue building communities where everyone feels they belong.
At LCA, this work doesn’t begin and end in June. It’s part of an ongoing commitment to creating spaces rooted in kindness, respect, and connection.
Because belonging isn’t something we announce.
It’s something we build—together.
Happy Pride Month from LCA.
