Lisa Winning

When I first joined the Board of Pride Live in 2011 (!) I had little true understanding of what it meant to be queer but endless empathy for how it felt to be different. In the years since the community has inspired me - it's filled with artists and visionaries who are brave and authentic. Our community is inclusive and kind and creates bridges between people. Diana Rodriguez founded Pride Live with $600 in the bank account and a ton of heart. Somehow, she knew that if she just started, all the pieces would fall into place and the community would grow. What no one knew was that she and Ann Marie had it in them to dream of turning 51 Christopher Street from a run-down nail salon, into the very first LGBTQ+ visitor center within the National Park Service. The official visitor center for the Stonewall National Monument. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is important because it helps us all remember to stand up for what we know is right and fair and to celebrate our differences while uniting with each other. As an ally, I am honoured to stand with Pride Live and the SNMVC and to be surrounded by the most talented, inspiring and brave community.