The Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association had its grand opening of Bill’s Place on May 6th.
Located at 48 Centre St. in Chatham, Bill’s Place serves as a hub for CK Pride to host programs, supports, events, and more.
It all started in 2018 when former Chatham resident, Bill Brokenshire left a trust fund to CK Pride to create a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ persons across Chatham-Kent.
“He was born and raised in Chatham-Kent and back in the late 60s he was a gay man and he didn’t feel safe here,” said Marianne Willson, president of CK Pride. “When he was diagnosed with a terminal illness he contacted us and wanted to leave a legacy to improve things in Chatham-Kent for people in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
Bill wanted the fund to be used for the purchase and renovation of space to create a safe community center, and thus, Bill’s Place was born.
Willson says this new physical space will provide 2SLGBTQIA+ youth with a tangible reminder that they have a community.
“If they don’t believe they belong elsewhere, they got somewhere they can go, somewhere they belong. Somewhere they can get together, hang out, read books, spend time together, find peer mentors, find community resources, and be connected in a safe way to programs and services in Chatham Kent,” said Willson.
Visit ckpride.com for more information about future programs, events, and drop-in times.
