Trent Hills Pride is proud to announce the launch of “Kaleidoscope 2026”, an innovative arts, culture, and wellness-based program made possible through the generous contribution of United Way Northumberland. This year long initiative will provide 2SLGBTQ+ youth and reinvented adults (seniors), along with other equity-deserving residents in rural Northumberland, with inclusive spaces for learning, creative expression, mental wellness, and community building.
Kaleidoscope expands Trent Hills Pride’s commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and empowering space for 2SLGBTQ2+ individuals and their allies — a mission that has been at the heart of the organization since its founding. Designed specifically for the realities of rural communities, the program addresses social isolation, discrimination, and limited access to supportive resources by offering meaningful opportunities for connection and personal growth.
About the Program
Kaleidoscope features an intensive twelve-week workshops, delivered in venues across Trent Hills. Each workshop series focuses on a unique dimension of identity, creativity, and wellness:
Community Identity & Belonging: Creative writing, visual storytelling, and podcasting guided by community engagement specialists and guest speakers who share lived experiences as youth activists and reinvented adults.
Visual & Performing Arts: Hands-on experiences led by an accomplished trainer, encouraging participants to explore identity through artistic expression.
The entire program will conclude with a Public Presentation and Gala Night—showcasing participants’ stories, artwork, and collective achievements.
Communities Served
Kaleidoscope is designed for 2SLGBTQ2+ individuals and families, youth, seniors, and equity-deserving community members, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomer, and religious minority groups. Many residents in these groups experience intersecting barriers such as discrimination, economic precarity, and geographic isolation. Kaleidoscope aims to reduce these disparities, increase visibility, and strengthen social cohesion across the region.
A Shared Commitment to Rural Inclusion
“The financial support of United Way Northumberland ensures that equity-deserving residents in Trent Hills are not left behind but instead have meaningful access to community-building opportunities.” States Emilio Ojeda, Chair of Trent Hills Pride. “With the partnership of Northumberland United Way and Trent Hills Library, Kaleidoscope becomes a model of rural inclusion—one that uplifts individuals, builds collective resilience, and promotes an inclusive and vibrant Northumberland County. “
About Trent Hills Pride
Trent Hills Pride is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to nurturing safety, belonging, and inclusion for 2SLGBTQ2+ people and their allies throughout Trent Hills and Northumberland County. Through cultural events, educational programming, and community advocacy, Trent Hills Pride works to counter discrimination and strengthen community resilience.
About United Way Northumberland
Northumberland United Way has been changing the lives of people living in Northumberland County since 1969. As the largest non-governmental funder of locally based health and social services in Northumberland County, we are dedicated to creating opportunities to improve lives and create a lasting, positive impact.
Author: Pete Fisher
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