Pictou County Pride serves the 2SLGBTQIA+ population of Pictou County. We work to support and advocate for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and gender diverse, agender, intersex, or other identities related to sex and gender. This population is traditionally underrepresented in communities, resources, and funding initiatives. Pictou County Pride strives to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ people have access to inclusive programs, safe community activities, and social opportunities. We also strive to serve the greater Pictou County community at large by promoting diversity and inclusion around gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression.

Board of Directors

Carissa (she/her) - Board Chair

Carissa is a Queer creative community arts organizer, project manager graduate of OCAD University’s Material Art and Design: Fibre program. She has a special interest in connecting artists and creatives with opportunities, spaces and networks.
Over the past ten years, Carissa has worked with artists across various mediums in a variety of spaces from professional gallery’s to pop up exhibitions across Canada and the US.

She is currently the executive director of Creative Pictou County as well as the owner of The Meadow Retreat and Creative Space, a rural artist residency.

Carissa is most excited to support fellow 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs as well as use her connections in tourism to ensure Pictou County is a welcoming place for rainbow visitors.

Kiana (she/her) - Director

I am grateful for the opportunity to join the board of Pictou County Pride. As a community member who grew up in Pictou County, I know the value in having support and connections in a rural area.

I am a healthcare social worker with a background in group facilitation, community outreach, and am an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and our local Autism Nova Scotia chapter.

When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my young family, potlucks with friends, and watching football; Go Birds!

I look forward to connecting with more community members at our upcoming programming and events.

Timber (they/them) - Director

I am so proud to be a member of the Pictou County Pride board and am excited to help our community grow and connect! I came to Nova Scotia in search of a simpler life, and what I’ve found here is kind, honest, hard working people who care for one another and take pride in their communities, and I’m so excited to get to be a part of that. I have participated in many Pride events across the country and know the importance of having accessible 2SLGBTQIA+ resources and safe spaces and the positive impact they have. I aim to help plan fun and creative ways to engage with people at our upcoming drop-in events and programming.

In my free time I love to make art, explore the coast and inland trails, play guitar and spend time with my pet cats, snakes, hedgehog and dog. I attended Sheridan College for art fundamentals in 2018 and have worked on character concept and design, screen printing and many personal art projects over the years.

I can’t wait for our upcoming events and hope to meet many more of our community members there!

Paul - aka lady Stitch (he/him) - Director

I have been a drag performer since the age of 19, and now at 64, drag continues to be a joyful and meaningful part of my life. In 2025, Muskoka Pride honored me as Grand Marshal in recognition of my years of service to the Muskoka and LGBTQ+ community. After retiring to Muskoka, Ontario, I served on the Muskoka Pride Board and committees and helped grow Muskoka Drag Royalty to 14 performers, raising funds for many LGBTQ+ organizations.

I later moved east with my healthcare team to Pictou, Nova Scotia, where I fell in love with the town’s beauty and slower pace. I continue performing as Lady Stitch – Arts N Crafts and enjoy being active in the community. I hope to share my experience with Pictou Pride and local groups. I enjoy meeting people, learning, nature, and sharing ideas. I’ve been married to my husband, Michael, since 2004.

John (he/him) - Director

I was a teacher, counselor and administrator. As a senior, I know many of the difficulties that people of my generation faced. I was a past member of the previous Pictou County Pride board, founded by the late Gerard Veldhoven. I know the value of learning and for all of us to keep an open mind. I am very interested in helping to set up learning opportunities for our members and the population at large.

Ashlyn (she/her) - Director

Bio coming soon

Rune - Director