Beyond Belonging supports a safer, more inclusive Edmonton

A message from the City of Edmonton:

Beyond Belonging is the City's action plan to build a city where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Before it was officially approved by Council in June 2026, the plan was built on feedback from more than 900 2SLGBTQIA+ community members who were asked how to make City of Edmonton services, programs, spaces and places safe and inclusive for everyone.

Instead of focusing on one-time initiatives, the plan's seven action areas and 53 subactions outline how Edmonton will grow more welcoming to 2SLGBTQIA+ people as a municipality. The Beyond Belonging grant is helping to move those actions forward by supporting community organizations in creating a safer and more inclusive city for 2SLGBTQIA+ Edmontonians.

In the first year of Beyond Belonging grants, 12 organizations received funding, including the Edmonton 2 Spirit Society, the Newcomer Centre, Camp Fyrefly, and RaricaNow.

At the launch of Beyond Belonging, Michael Phair, a former City Councillor, said the plan takes another step forward in actively supporting and enhancing Edmonton's vibrant 2SLGTBQIA+ community.

"The support of the City in these challenging times for the queer community is welcoming and assuring," said Phair.

Beyond Belonging was created around three objectives identified by City Council: enhance support and services for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, address rising hate, and create safe and inclusive public spaces.

"Beyond Belonging is the first program of its kind in Edmonton," said Chelsea Hawrelak, Director of Safe and Healthy Communities. "It aims to improve safety in shared public spaces because everyone in Edmonton deserves to feel safe and free to be themselves, just as they are."