ProudPolitics
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Focus | LGBT Politicians |
| Location | |
| Method | Political endorsement Fundraising Networking Leadership training |
Key people | Louroz Mercader (Chair) Arthur Kong (Executive Director) Curtis Atkins (Dep Executive Director) Chris Matthews (Public Outreach & Fundraising) Tyler Johnson (Communications & Marketing) Alex Dow (Leadership Development) |
| Website | ProudPolitics |
ProudPolitics is a Canadian cross-partisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of openly LGBT public officials in Canadian politics.[1] The group was inspired by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund in the United States, which offers grassroots leadership training, networking, mentoring and fundraising programs for aspiring politicians who are part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender communities.[2]
The organization was co-founded in 2013 by Arthur Kong, a management consultant, and Louroz Mercader, a non-profit director who was a candidate for Mississauga City Council in the 2010 municipal election.[1] The organization's official launch, held on April 18, 2013 in Toronto, featured a keynote speech by Glen Murray, and a panel discussion featuring New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Craig Scott, former Progressive Conservative MPP Phil Gillies and Ontario Liberal Party candidate Tatum Wilson.[1] The group also received a letter of support from Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne.[1]
The group's advisory council includes Gillies, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission Barbara Hall, former Toronto District School Board trustee Nadia Bello, 2010 Toronto City Council candidate Ken Chan, Ontario Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce president Ryan Tollofson, Halton Catholic District School Board trustee Paul Marai and provincial civil servant Tanzeel Merchant.
References
- ^ a b c d "Ontario group looking for politically engaged gays". Xtra!, May 10, 2013.
- ^ "Proud Politics". Metro Morning, CBLA-FM, April 18, 2013.
External links
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