VISION
ProudPolitics believes that the best way to empower LGBTIQ+ communities across Canada, is through greater civic-representation: have more diverse, inspirational, and competent openly LGBTIQ+ leaders, of all political stripes, serving the public through elected office, and on public boards, commissions, and agencies. ProudPolitics envisions these leaders championing greater inclusion from across the political spectrum.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO - #RepresentationMatters
We believe that public LGBT role models can provide underserved LGBTIQ+ communities with hope and inspiration that they too can be proud of their identities and become inspirational leaders. These same community leaders have the potential to be the strongest allies in achieving greater equality & inclusion.
We believe that the fight isn’t over. Despite statutory rights and electoral achievements, LGBTIQ+ citizens still face many implicit barriers to participate in Canada’s democracy, especially those from marginalized and under-represented communities.
We believe that there is unmet potential. Support and resources for LGBTIQ+ leaders are often exclusive, uncoordinated, and focused on advocacy. The diversity of political beliefs and unmet potential within the LGBTIQ+ community, therefore, is often not recognized and addressed.
WHAT IS PROUDPOLITICS ALL ABOUT?
MISSION
Our mission is to diversify the face and voice of Canada’s politics by breaking down barriers for marginalized and under-represented LGBTIQ+ leaders to realize their potential to civic-leadership, whether that be serving on public boards/commissions, leading advocacy or political campaigns, or serve and win elections, through candidate support, fundraising, networking, and outreach.
HOW DO WE AIM TO DO THAT?
ProudPolitics’ approach to building leaders is built upon 3 strategic pillars:
To Build Capacity & Incubate
ProudPolitics aims to build and support leaders and potential candidates through various programs:
Out To Win – a training program focused on providing LGBTIQ+ and ally campaigns and candidates with the support needed to realize their potential, stand proud with their identity, effectively share their ideas to their constituents, and confidently run for public office
Proud on Board – Identify and support the appointment of LGBTIQ+ leaders to public agencies and other statutory boards or bodies
To Aggregate, Share & Spread
Foster a diverse network of politically-minded Canadian LGBTIQ+ citizens to aggregate political resources, ideas, and experiences in the LGBT community
To Celebrate & Nurture
Create a positive image about the roles and celebrate the achievements of LGBTIQ+ leaders in order to eliminate barriers for participation in public service.
#LGBTpoli – #1 News Source for Canadian LGBTIQ+ politics
ProudWatch - respond to groups or media who attack or question an LGBTIQ+ official, candidate, or emergent leader's viability and leadership based on their sexual identity
Spotlight! - interview and highlight the stories, thoughts, and achievements of elected LGBTIQ+ officials in Canada
