If you've ever had the pleasure of meeting Stu Kearney , then you've felt the calm energy of this extraordinary man. For more than twenty years he has worked to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their family members. As a teacher, trained counselor, and former diversity mentor within the school system, Stu has elevated the conversations that need to happen within education. This extends to his volunteer work, which includes Pride In Education board work and, for the last eight years, leadership of pflag canada Saint John,NB .

PFlag is an international, decades-old registered charity that creates safe, affirming talk spaces -- often in rented rooms or coffee shops. So when Stu asked me to take over the local chapter, I was thrilled and deeply honoured. I and others will do what we can to keep the conversations going.

On that note, PFlag Saint John would like to announce that it now runs a queer+allies Shire at 10 Germain st. 🌱🌿☺️🌿🌱 Built by the community and for the community, this month-old safe space hosts youth workshops, about a dozen high school students every lunch hour, and has provided meeting areas for rainbow orgs like Chroma NB and Saint John Pride . Going forward it will be facilitating everything from queer book clubs and coffee houses through support circles for families with trans and non-binary kids.

Funding Adoringly Shire will not be easy. Grants may come eventually. Businesses like Breakout Saint John , Slocum & Ferris , Pete's Frootique SJ , and Techmill have stepped forward. And an $895 GoFundMe helped with startup costs. True sustainability will require more. If you or someone you know would like to invest in this concept, please consider making a monthly or one-time donation to PFlag Canada. (Just be sure to indicate "Saint John Chapter" in your note). Then sit back, wait for your tax receipt, watch the progress, and hope that PFlag Canada reads strong SJ support as an argument for more such places across the country. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Finally, I would like to thank each and every person who has visited, donated, gifted, carried, dreamed, connected, initiated, baked, and shared. Our students want me to say the same on their behalf. They seem to like it here. Some even open up a bit as we wash dishes together.

This home-like PFlag Shire can now pay rent for a second month. Let's see what's next. ♥️