After two years at the helm of Fierté Simcoe Pride, Brandon Rhéal Amyot is stepping down.
Amyot has been involved with the organization since it was formed in 2012.
“It’s a big decision to make,” Amyot said. “I had intended to be president a bit longer, but after some conversations with members of my board and people close to me, I realized it was time. I really wanted to think about what’s best for the organization and what’s best for me.”
At Fierté Simcoe Pride’s annual general meeting, happening Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Grilled Cheese Social Eatery in downtown Barrie, Amyot will seek another term as a board member, but not in an executive role.
Deciding to not stay on as president has been an “emotional” process, they said, but Amyot leaves the role knowing how far the organization has come in a relatively short period of time.
Partnerships and community building were among Amyot’s main focuses as president, and now every municipality in Simcoe County marks Pride Week with a flag raising or declaration.
“That was the thing I championed — ensuring we have the support of our local municipalities,” they said.
Not everything they set out to accomplish was fully realized, however.
“I wish I could have really solidified the financial aspect of the organization,” Amyot said. “I was hoping to get more long-term funding, but I think the people who are still on the board have the ability to see that through.”
Their advice for the new president, whoever that will be, is to “have faith in the community.”
“There is an amazing resiliency in the 2SLGBTQ community.”
Amyot encourages people to get involved with Fierté Simcoe Pride “and make it the movement they want to see.”
“It’s really made me who I am today and I hope someday I’ll be able to repay that.”
For more information about Thursday’s annual general meeting, check out the Facebook event page.
