Sault Pride hosting holiday dinner for locals estranged from families

Sault Pride will be hosting a Rainbow Family Holiday Dinner for Sault Ste. Marie's queer and allied community.

The all-ages event takes place on Tuesday, December 19 at the Machine Shop.

The chair of Sault Pride says the event will address two serious issues often experienced at this time of year.

“The first is that the holiday season can be extraordinarily difficult for those members of the community who may be estranged from their families or whose family members are hostile toward their relationships or identities,” explained Amanda Zuke in a news release. “People can feel lonely and isolated to begin with, and then being barraged with images of happy families makes it even harder.”

“The second is that statistically, Queer individuals and families face more economic uncertainty than the general population.”

The 6 p.m. meal will be followed by “Family Queeraoke.”

Registration is free of charge, but for those wishing to contribute, there’s also an option to donate $50. People can also make a donation without attending.

Organizers plan to make this an annual event.