TRAVERSE CITY — Up North Pride has added two new members to its board of directors and elected a new board president, according to the organization.
Chelsea Bentley and Randi Taylor have joined the Up North Pride Board of Directors. The organization also elected Erica Joy as board president.
Up North Pride said it continues to add monthly programming, new events and community building opportunities and welcomed new perspectives to help face new challenges, support the LGBTQ+ community and continue its vision of a community where 2SLGBTQIA+ members are visible, celebrated and supported in all aspects of life.
Bentley is an educator, artist and community organizer. They serve as director of lifelong learning at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse and facilitate art workshops through a side project, Chreative Chaos. Up North Pride said Bentley advocates for inclusive, comprehensive sex education and connecting people to their bodies.
“I am excited to join the board of Up North Pride and continue building safe, inclusive spaces to create community,” Bentley said.
Taylor is a United States Marine Corps veteran and a bank manager.
“I am truly passionate about spreading positivity and fighting for fairness for every person,” Taylor said.
Joy said she has been “deeply moved” by how the organization has evolved over the years and said she is “thrilled” to serve as board president.
“I’m grateful for the ongoing support of our community and look forward to the year ahead,” Joy said.
“We are very happy to have new voices and new perspectives coming to the board as we continue to build a community where everyone is free to be their authentic selves,” Adrienne Brown-Reasner, Up North Pride executive director, said.
For more information, visit www.upnorthpride.com.