Jonathan Belgrave had an unforgettable kick off to his Pride Month celebrations this week when he was honoured at the 10th-annual Niagara Unity Awards.<\/p>\n
Presented Wednesday, May 31, the awards recognize the successes of individuals and groups that have made an impact on the local Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (2SLGBTQ+) communities.<\/p>\n
Belgrave, Brock’s Digital and Social Media Marketing Specialist in Professional and Continuing Studies, received the Ed Eldred Unity Award, which annually honours an individual who works toward uniting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and raising public and professional awareness in Niagara.<\/p>\n
He received the honour for his work with Pride Niagara, an organization that supports, informs and hosts events for the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and their allies in the region.<\/p>\n
As a volunteer, contributor and sponsor with the organization, Belgrave has provided his professional skills in photography to capture and share the events Pride Niagara produces. He is also a current member of the Pride Leadership Committee for Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre.<\/p>\n
\u201cSupporting Pride Niagara has gone hand-in-hand with supporting my personal and professional life,\u201d said Belgrave. \u201cWhen I first started off, Niagara\u2019s Pride celebration was one day, and I just wanted to help support the cause by capturing photos of the activities. As the celebration grew, I\u2019ve grown with it.\u201d<\/p>\n