The Strathroy Pride Committee is already meeting and planning some exciting in-person events for this summer! Time to dust off your rainbow gear, iron out your pride flags, and get out there for some much-needed social time with our colourful community. Events this year will include a Rainbow Pottery paint night, a Pride Art Gala, Drag Queen Bingo, Queer Movie Night, Drag Performances, and much more! Be sure to stock up on fabulous pride gear at our Strathroy Pride booth at the Strathroy Downtown Market from June 11 to July 16th.
Meet Victor Feunekes My name is Victor and there are so many different ways I identify myself. When I started transitioning a large part of my identity was wrapped up in my gender and my gender expression. Other parts of my identity that matter to me include being a musician, therapist, partner, sibling, son, and friend. My pronouns are they and he, and I started my transition journey in 2013 when I was in school to become a social worker. This was a challenging point in my life because I became quite scared of leaving home, and so I began to withdraw. After finding the support that I needed, I now live a life I never thought possible. This past two years has been difficult for a lot of Trans and Queer people because it’s been harder to find and immerse ourselves in community, and find the supports we need. I’ve desperately missed Pride celebrations because Pride is when I get to see the people who really understand who I am as a person, and I usually have the opportunity to share my music on stage for a few different events. I miss the nerves before getting up on a stage, and the vibration of an audience while my voice and guitar fill the room. Most importantly, I miss my people. I was fortunate that I had the option to take some time over the pandemic to redirect my energy into completing my master’s degree with the goal of becoming a therapist. When I was looking for a placement, an incredible opportunity came across my Facebook feed: a new practice in London focused on the 2SLGBTQ+ community happened to be looking for a student at the same time I was looking for a mentor and so, I reached out and joined them. I’m still baffled by the serendipity of that one single moment. Now that I’ve finished my degree, I’m opening up my availability to see people for psychotherapy. My strengths of my practice include working through questions around gender, sexuality, queerness and spirituality/religion, and the ever-so complex feelings associated with marginalized identities. I also am committed to involving the impacts of colonization in my work, and continue to make this learning and unlearning a priority. I truly believe that we’re all good humans, and nothing is wrong with any of us. We are living in really difficult times and our brains find ways to ease the pain we’re experiencing. Throughout my life, I carried a lot of shame and guilt for who I was, but through my own personal journey, I learned there was nothing wrong with me. Now, I feel incredibly grateful and honoured to share the path I’ve been on, and to be able to take part in the healing journey of other people in our community.
On July 16th join us for the town hall flag raising followed by an afternoon at the park with musical performances, Drag Storytime, BBQ, vendors, and tons of family fun activities. Mark July 16 in your calendars now and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or our website (StrathroyPride.org) for all the delicious details as they emerge. It’s time to celebrate Pride again!
PRIDE Villager
Issue 8 • Spring 2022 Page 12
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