New online event will help support Rainbow Camp

NEWS RELEASE
WELCOME FRIEND ASSOCIATION
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2SLGBTQ+ community members, allies and friends are invited to join Alan Gotlib in celebrating the 40th anniversary of his coming out with a livestream event in support of Rainbow Camp. The livestream event will be held on Friday, April 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

As part of the celebration, Alan will talk about his coming out journey, with stories interspersed with songs by performers from Toronto, Canada and as far away as London, England. The music will include a range of musical styles interpreted by talented individuals, duos and full choirs.

Located just east of Sault Ste. Marie, Rainbow Camp welcomes 2SLGBTQ+ youth from all over Canada and the United States. Campers enjoy different activities in a safe and supportive environment while making connections and building a sense of community that they may not find elsewhere.

To ensure the camp is as accessible regardless of financial circumstances, fundraising efforts offset costs to allow for subsidized registrations, full 'camperships', or camp scholarships for those that need it most.

“I realized that Good Friday in 2021 will be the fortieth anniversary of my initial coming out and decided to celebrate with a concert and fundraiser for Rainbow Camp,” said Gotlib, a Jewish gay man and child of Holocaust survivors from Poland. “It’s been quite a journey and when I look at the fear with which I regarded coming out in my early twenties, I am so grateful to be who I am today with all the incredible people who were there along the way.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rainbow Camp has moved to a virtual setting to continue to provide programming and support to this vulnerable community. The online programming benefits 2SLGBTQ+ youth by giving them a heightened sense of community, a chance to meet new friends, a chance to be themselves, and a chance to share and learn.

“The goal of this program is to create a virtual space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to connect with peers who are like them so that they feel less alone during these isolating times of COVID-19," says Rainbow Camp director Stephanie Voyer.

While there is no cost involved and everyone is welcome to take in the event, Gotlib said that he hopes participants might consider making a donation to Rainbow Camp. Join the celebration event on Friday, April 2 at 1 p.m. through the Rainbow Camp YouTube channel.

About Rainbow Camp

Rainbow Camp welcomes 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 12-14 and 15-17 from across Canada and the United States who are looking to experience summer camp, many for the first time. The camp is organized by the Welcome Friend Association, a registered charity that provides outreach to and support for people affected by gender and sexual issues. For more information on Rainbow Camp, virtual programming and events, or the Welcome Friend Association visit here.

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