Speaking with Pride 2025

Pride Niagara is partnering with Brock University Professional and Continuing Studies to present the 3rd annual Speaking with Pride Professional Development and Networking Event.

This day of learning is for 2SLGBTQ+ community members, organizations, individuals and allies who ant to enhance their Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging knowledge and practices; as well as engage with others who want to inspire change in their workplace and communities.

This year’s theme is “Welcoming Diversity”.

Activities

Attendees will hear from guest speaker – Sonali “Alyy” Patel, an LGBTQ+ activist, author and scholar with her talk Queer & Brown: Insights for Transforming Diversity at Work.

Also included in this year’s event is the option to join one of four breakout learning sessions.

About the Speaker

Sonali (Alyy) Patel (they/she) is a trailblazing LGBTQ+ activist, creative, and award-winning researcher who has made monumental strides for Queer South Asian Women in North America. Notably, Alyy pioneered research on Queer South Asian Women’s issues, being the first to shed light on their unique racial challenges in LGBTQ+ communities. In addition, Alyy solely founded and built from ground-up the Queer South Asian Women’s Network—a thriving Canadian non-profit organization.

Market, Flag Raising and Networking

Following the Breakout Learning Sessions, guests are welcomed to join the Brock Vendor Market, Annual Raising of the Pride Flag and network.