A spokesperson for Steinbach Neighbours For Community says there is a hunger for a broader understanding of LGBTTQI issues. Val Hiebert says that is what prompted an event Saturday in Steinbach.

Hiebert explains Steinbach Neighbours For Community started about four years ago. She notes they came together as a group, not necessarily as a group of friends. But she says they were all concerned about how to learn to be good neighbours in the community surrounding LGBTTQI issues that were arising. Hiebert says they came together to talk about what they could bring to the group in order to help foster meaningful and grace filled conversations.

According to Hiebert, the group has hosted numerous events over the years, focused on generating conversation. She says this has meant equal parts of talking and listening. But Hiebert notes as they have attempted to listen deeply to the community, they have learned that there is a desire for more education surrounding these sorts of issues. That is what sparked Saturday's event.

Connecting Neighbours: Exploration & Conversation was held Saturday at Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach. Hiebert says she thinks the day produced different highlights for different people. Hiebert notes her hope is that there was enough variety created so that everyone could find something they enjoyed. But she says highlights could vary depending on life circumstances and what each individual person is grappling with. Hiebert is hopeful everyone walked away with something they value and can work with.