On Saturday June 3rd, Violence Prevention Grey Bruce will present a free community presentation of Be Our Ally: Sheatre's award winning interactive play challenging homophobia and celebrating LGBTQ perspectives. The performance will begin at 1pm at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound and is suitable for ages 11 and up.

It took Grey Bruce arts organization Sheatre, more than 20 years to bring Be Our Ally to the stage in 2014. According to co-creator david sereda, "before that people were too afraid to present this subject and LGBTQ perspectives in public in Grey Bruce". Now the time is right thanks to years of work by activists educators and allies. Be Our Ally was created in collaboration with 57 youth from Grey and Bruce counties to bring the voices of LGBTQ youth and their allies to the stage, increase understanding of diversity, and break down hostility.

The story centres on Tommy, who bravely invites his best friend Zach to the big dance as a date. At the dance, Tommy is confronted by homophobic behaviour from the bullying Chris – and a lack of help from his own sister, Ashley. Since its creation in 2014, the play has reached more than 8,000 people across Ontario.

Local violence prevention coordinating committee Violence Prevention Grey Bruce was a natural partner to bring the production to a community stage. "Be Our Ally starts crucial conversations that we are happy to support in our community," said Violence Prevention Grey Bruce Coordinator Colleen Purdon. The June 3rd performance is the final show on the 2017 tour.

For more information visit http://violencepreventiongreybruce.com/events/

Source: Press Release