After more than a decade of advocacy, community building, and celebration, the Central Alberta Pride Society (CAPS) has announced that it will formally dissolve.
The decision was shared in an open message from the current board of directors, who cited significant challenges over the past year, including reputational damage they believe has become too difficult to overcome.
Here is the message from the board, as posted on their social media accounts.
A Message to Our Central Alberta Pride Community
Since our inception in 2012, Central Alberta Pride Society (CAPS) has been proud to serve as a place of support, education, resources, and celebration for the LGBTQ2S+ community and our allies across Central Alberta.
Together, we’ve built unforgettable memories and created meaningful change in our region.
From working closely with the City of Red Deer and local organizations to install the very first Pride crosswalk in Red Deer, to hosting cherished events like Pride in the Park, Drag Bingo, Movie in the Park, and the Roller Disco we’ve shared countless moments of joy.
And who could forget our celebrity drag shows, where incredible performers such as Jujubee, Derrick Barry, Nebraska, Eureka, Nearah Nuff, and our very own talented local queens, Haus of Glitter, graced our stages?
This journey has truly been remarkable, but all good things must eventually come to an end.
This past year was incredibly difficult for CAPS, and we believe that the damage to our reputation now exceeds any path to repair.
After much thought and consideration, the current Board of Directors has unanimously voted to close and dissolve CAPS.
We understand this news may be difficult for some to hear.
Central Alberta has grown and evolved, with more organizations now providing specialized services to their communities, something we always hoped for.
We are deeply grateful to have played a role in fostering this growth.
The remaining board members wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community, our supporters, municipalities, and members for an amazing run and a decade of memories we will never forget.
While we say goodbye to CAPS, we are also excited to share that a new chapter begins for us in the beautiful town of Sylvan Lake.
We hope you will continue to follow our journey as we move forward into this next exciting phase.
Thank you, Central Alberta, for everything.
— Central Alberta Pride Society Board of Directors
** With information from Central Alberta Pride Society
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