Reid Hollander is known to some as Lethbridge’s ‘gay godfather’, earning the nickname by "trying to provide everything for everybody." Whether that means setting up youth groups or lending his business and marketing acumen to southern Alberta’s gay community, he is there when people need him. Born in Pincher Creek, Reid moved to the city when he was 17 to attend university, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences, with a focus in cartography. He worked as a surveyor for nearly a decade after discovering that he couldn’t drink heavily enough to cut it as a golf pro.

Reid identified his sexuality as early as 11-years-old, but it wasn’t until age 31, at the end of a relationship that would have seen him married, that he finally came out. Years later, Reid took himself off the market to devote his time to caring for the teenaged son of the woman he was once going to marry. Ten months ago, he was finally married himself – to the man he loves.

Reid paved the way for youth groups and social spaces, and eventually served four years as the Chairman of Lethbridge Pride Fest. Reid has since stepped back from that role, but is excited about a new generation guiding the festival in fresh directions.

Since 1999, Reid has been a fixture at Lethbridge Toyota Scion, rolling his affable and gregarious nature into successful work in sales. In his spare time, Reid loves to cook, and relishes the challenges of the art.