Biko Beauttah will sit on the Pride Toronto board of directors as one of three new trans representatives
Rachel Lauren Clark (re-elected), Phil Villeneuve, Michelle Cherny, Evan Kirkman and Biko Beauttah | Photo courtesy: Biko Beauttah / Pride Toronto
Biko Beauttah, George Brown College (GBC) student and transgender activist, was elected to Pride Toronto’s board of directors on Oct. 22.
“The LGBT community is near and dear to my heart,” said Beauttah in an email toThe Dialog. “As someone who through life’s journey, has found myself at one point or another identifying in both those communities through lived experience, I am driven by a sense of purpose and duty to be an indomitable force for the benefit of my community.”
Beauttah is currently the women and trans representative at the Student Association of GBC (SA), which funds The Dialog.
Coming from Kenya, where self-identifying in public is considered a criminal offence, Beauttah remembers her first Toronto Pride in 2006 and the overwhelming feelings of awe and wonder she felt “from seeing such a large metropolis coming together to celebrate diversity and equality a rainbow of love.”
Having elected three new trans members, Pride Toronto said it has the largest representation of trans people on its board of directors in the organization’s 35-year history.
“I am not going to lie, this is a fantastic opportunity that I have been entrusted with,” said Beauttah.
As an African, Beauttah said she always wanted to “show Toronto how we do it,” encompassing “percussion, tambourines, rhythm, pelvic thrusts, ululations, conspicuous adornments on all shades of melanin-rich complexions.” she hopes to organize a float that will encompass African culture but notes that decision won’t be up to her.
According to Mathieu Chantelois, executive director for Pride Toronto, June 2016 will be dubbed as Pride Month featuring extended programming at various locations in the city during the four weeks. They will also be partnering with cultural organizations to offer meaningful conversations and events.
