The altView Foundation

Strathcona County is a vibrant community with an increasingly diverse population. As part of a goal to make the region an accepting and safe space for everyone, the altView foundation is designed to help fill the gaps created when minorities exist in an environment that not only discriminates (not always intentionally), but fails to see the needs of these individuals. Sexual-minority and gender-va

riant persons in particular have few resources designed to meet their needs. The altView foundation’s goal is to fill those needs by developing programming that is specifically geared to allow sexual-minority and gender-variant individuals to find acceptance and community in an environment that allows for honesty and openness. In doing so, we can help these individuals to overcome the hurdles of harassment and social ostracism. It must be our goal to reach out to sexual-minority and gender-variant persons in our region with the understanding that not all people in said region can access other resources available in other areas. This is especially true for persons living outside of city limits or in situations where going to larger cities is not a viable answer. One should not have to leave their home town to feel safe. In the vein of helping sexual-minority and gender-variant individuals finding a sense of safety, the altView foundation has a responsibility to educate and to inform others around us about the barriers these individuals encounter on a regular basis. We must work to not only educate others, but to stay informed ourselves as we explore topics that may at times make individuals uncomfortable.