Centre Wellington Pride was founded in November 2024 by community advocates Jey Plourde (they/them) and Diane Ballantyne (she/her), who shared a vision of creating a visible, inclusive, and connected 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Centre Wellington. Recognizing the need for a local space where community residents could celebrate, organize, and belong, they set out to build a grassroots movement rooted in both pride and belonging.
At its heart, Centre Wellington Pride was born from conversations—about the importance of representation in small towns, the power of shared stories, and the desire to ensure that queer youth and adults alike could see themselves reflected in their community. With support from local residents, organizations, and allies, the group quickly grew from an idea into a vibrant collective dedicated to inclusion, education, and celebration.
In its founding months, Centre Wellington Pride established partnerships with local businesses, artists, and civic leaders to begin building awareness and laying the groundwork for its first community events. The founding team emphasized that Pride should not be limited to a single parade or festival, but serve as a year-round commitment to visibility, equity, and connection across the region.
Today, Centre Wellington Pride stands as a growing organization committed to fostering acceptance and joy through community-led initiatives, advocacy, and celebration. Guided by its founders’ vision, it continues to honour the resilience, creativity, and love that define the 2SLGBTQIA+ spirit—creating a future where everyone in Centre Wellington can truly belong.