A Cochrane couple is hoping to bring the LGBTQ (Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Trans-Queer) community back together.

The 'Your Life Out' initiative to offer support, resources, and education to the LGBTQ community kicked off in Cochrane early 2017, but after the creators moved away, it seemed the group kind of fizzled away as well, up until now.

Renita and Jennifer Bartlett are fairly new to the Cochrane community but are excited to either reinvigorate the initiative themselves or offer up support to the existing group. 

The Bartlett's are not opposed to getting things going and in fact, have a great deal of experience and expertise to offer. Renita shares getting the group going is near and dear to her heart. "I was the Vice President of the Board of Directors of Outlink in Calgary, I helped with the Dyke and Trans March in Calgary, Camp fYrefly... tons of stuff, and so it is something I am really passionate about and really ready and willing to get on board and get it going."

The couple is very aware that not everyone will support the idea, but as Cochrane grows so does the need to support those identifying and choosing an alternative lifestyle. "There will definitely be challenges, I think about when went around to different businesses in Calgary asking them to put the PRIDE flag in their window or door and we had lots of challenges around that. Lots of businesses kind of really shied away, so I know there will be challenges, but I think just to get it going is the first step."

Growing concerns about domestic violence and risk of suicide within the LGBTQ community are also concerning to the couple. "If you offer supports people are more apt to talk about it. It always goes back to providing that education and support, not to just individuals but also their families."

Jennifer and Renita have felt very welcomed in Cochrane and share the warmth and acceptance of the community are qualities that drew them here in the first place. "There is always going to be some kind of kickback from some of the community, but as a whole, the first thing we thought of when we moved to Cochrane, was Cochrane is so friendly here and it has different feel here than other smaller communities surrounding Calgary."

The ladies would love to not only offer support and resources to both youth and adults but also a social aspect. "Events, events like PRIDE that get the community out and excited. There is a lot of different things that start to pop up that we can think about."

Renita and Jennifer share even though they are new, they are quite excited about all the possibilities. Looking toward the future the couple is hoping to create a safe place where inclusivity will be felt by all. "A hub where individuals can go and have a coffee and pick up some resources and connect with each other, a place where they can feel accepted and safe. Activities, resources, and mentoring where community members that have been there and gone through it can honestly say it does get better."

If you are an existing member of Your Life Out or you would like to be involved in the revival, you can contact Renita at renita@affinitymentorship.com