Welcome to Be Proud!

My name is Aime Hutton, and here's my story:

Back in 2018 after some deep soul work on myself I came to terms with a truth that I was so afraid to see.  The truth was I am a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. I was overcome with immense fear because growing up my parents even though were very loving to me were on the conservative side. I was terrified to tell my parents at age 42 that I was someone who is lesbian.   I am very grateful that my parents said they loved and accepted me, as I know this is not always the case. Even today in 2022. I am happy to share that I am now engaged to an amazing woman who brings me so much joy in my heart.

After about a year of intense work with both a therapist and a coach I eventually was able to live authentically as me.  Since coming out publicly in 2019 I recognized how scary this was to come out to family, I can't imagine what it might be like for a 12 year old child to do the same in todays world.  Because of my lived experience I have been moved to know my life's calling is to is to educate and help people build understanding of the LGBTQ2S+ community which includes your child, or the youth you work with. I am passionate about creating safe spaces to support parents, community members, and youth to have brave conversations like the ones we will have at this 3 night event.

Who this 3 night free event would be good for are adults who work with young teen youth.  Parents with young teen youth.  Those in education of elementary and jr high school students.  Adults who are volunteers in groups with youth.  Extended family members aunts, uncles, grandparents with young teen youth.  Anyone who is passionate about empowering youth and young adults alike.  Come learn about the beauty and authenticity that is the LGBTQ2S+ community.  

What you can expect to take away by attending all 3 nights:

Learn about how it feels like to be a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Learn about the all the feelings being a parent of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Learn about how to be open with change with your family, yourself, and others around you.

 Learn about grieving the loss of hopes and creates, including creating new hopes and dreams for your child of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Learn about creating environments that are safer for all youth, especially those who are a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Learn about celebrating differences in your children

Learn about how it feels with the impact on a child who is a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community when parents are unaccepting

Learn about the challenges that could arise with in your own faith when your child is a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Learn about different strategies to support your child who is a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Learn about the basic understanding of terms, pronouns, flags of the LGBTQ2S+ community

Each night has a special guest speaker!

Night one Sept. 20:  Chaz Smith has been serving in the homeless sector for over a decade, having spent many years building relationships within the community. Chaz has personally experienced homelessness at the age of 15 where he struggled to obtain food and take care of his mental health. As he shares in media, form his lived experience of homelessness and tumultuous life as a youth, he had learned to hate himself, and felt like a waste in society, and it wasn’t until one day a particular support worker refused to give up on him. Inspiring a decade of passion and hope to give back and serve as a result.

Night two Sept. 21:  Shauna Cutfliffe  is a registered nurse by passion and profession. She is married to an amazing man and has two incredible kids. 

As a Christian Mama, combined with her overall strong Christian faith Shauna's journey to LGBTQ2S+ “acceptance” has been long and challenging but she would not change it. She is now happy to share her story with other parents to know they are not alone!  is a proud Mum. She has a story to share about being a Mum of two children who recently 'came out', and how she struggled with her strong faith and her children's journey of being a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Night three Sept. 22: Dr. Jodie Gateman is a proud doctor.  Jodie Gateman is a renowned speaker on many topics, and her background has her well versed in a vast multitude of facets. However, ensuring learners succeed and feel safe has always been a central focus. 

For 20 years, Dr. Gateman has taught educators, aides, councillors, business owners, and more across North America about; engagement, inclusivity, understanding each other's languages, problem-solving, purpose and more. From work with deaf instructors to high school dropouts, her tips, methods, and insight show they work in any situation.

Helping with specialty programs for students and adults that; view things differently, have moved here recently or find traditional methods challenging has been some of the most rewarding work she has done.