Mickey Wilson took time from his busy schedule running the Edmonton Pride Centre to chat with GayCalgary Magazine about changes to the centre, plans for the New Year and more.

GC: On behalf of GayCalgary Magazine, congratulations on the new position!

MW: Thanks. It is exciting and daunting!

GC: Starting fresh with a new year, what are some of your resolutions?

MW: I don’t make resolutions. I haven’t for 25 years. People always say, "None? There must be one thing." I don’t make resolutions and no matter how many times people ask my answer doesn’t change. In my experience, everyday life is a mixed sort of affair. For most of us we can’t have everything we want so it seems prudent to be satisfied with what we have and accept what we cannot change. I’ve tried whining and complaining but it made no difference at all. Each day rolls into the next regardless of whether we choose to laugh or cry. None of us knows what life has in store for us.

So while I don’t make resolutions I do try to learn what each day has to offer, take pleasure when and where it’s offered, and accept that both sunshine AND the rain have an important place in the grand scheme of things.

GC: That is a refreshing view! Can you offer readers a sneak peak at the Mickey that the public doesn’t see? What are some of your passions, hobbies and favourite pastimes?

MW: My greatest passion is justice, not only for the LGBTTQ community but also for all people. I want to leave the world having changed it a little every day because I have changed and grown. That way I think we can make the world a better place.

I am blessed to have someone significant in my life. Although our journey is vastly different than we imagined, we support the other’s dreams and give each other the freedom to follow them.

I also love my dogs. I have four wonderful creatures that I was privileged to adopt. Chiclet and Luna are Corgi crosses and Ringo and George are purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgis. They keep me active, warm and going home every night.

I love books and poetry but don’t have enough time to read or write like I want.  And I love warm sunny summer heat!

GC: It must be extremely exciting and rewarding to now be the head of the EPC. Can you tell us your feelings about your position?

MW: It is exciting and for me it is truly "living the dream." I have been an active chair stacker, board member, ticket seller, activist, balloon blower, sign maker and advocate in the queer community for over 25 years. All volunteer...and loved it. Now I get paid to go do what I love every day. What could be better than that?

GC: What was it about the Edmonton Pride Centre that drew you in and motivated you to take on such a challenging position?

MW: I have seen the Pride Centre in many incarnations and was at the meeting where GLCCE was put away and a new opportunity was given birth. We all know that the Pride Centre is an important part of the Edmonton landscape and I truly believe that it can get to that next level. With the support of the community, which is critical, it can be a vibrant and sustainable entity that serves the many aspects of our community.

GC: Can you tell our readers a bit more about your role at the Edmonton Pride Centre?

MW: As Executive Director I am responsible for daily operations: overseeing staff and programming, facilities etc; fundraising and grant writing and development of a culture of support and giving in the community. I also work closely with the Board of Directors to take their priorities and develop a strategic plan. From there my role is to weave my vision through the logic model and bring it to life! Everyday can feel a bit like the magic of the Yellow Brick Road if we let it. And of course there is the mopping of floors, renovating and appreciating as well as indulging in the lovely pastries our fabulous volunteers bring in.

GC: What changes have you already made? What changes will you work toward for the future?

MW: I have already made a number of changes to the space, to the  engagement of community, to the direction of programming. The biggest change I want to make is to create a sense of ownership in the community, build energy and have the Centre be an active and tangible presence in the LGBTTQ community and into the broader community as well. I want to build relationships and partnerships and be a space that has something for almost anyone, even if they think they don’t need it. Out tag line is "Your Community ~ Your space’" I hope I can make that so.

GC: Prior to your involvement at the Pride Centre can you tell us about your participation in the community?

MW: I have spent that last 4 years living south of Lethbridge. I was active in the community there as President of the local queer community organization. I participated in planning the first Pride celebration there, developed a linkage with the City and the Police Department, schools, BGC and started a youth group and annual camp out.

But before going there I lived in Edmonton for many, many years. I was involved in many community organizations here over the years and have many deep ties in the queer community in Edmonton. I was Chair of Pride, pastor at Lambda church, volunteer at Womonspace, Prairies Regional rep for EGALE, founder of TTIQ, Chair of the national Trans committee and participant in many other local committees and round tables. But most importantly, I have friendships and colleagues and mentors and teachers that have been a part of my life for over 30 years. Edmonton has not always been my favourite place in the world (there are warmer climates!) but, it is a place I can hang my hat and my heart and call home.

GC: The Alberta LGBT community is such a tight-knit family. How do you plan to include the younger generation, and welcome them into the  community in the coming years?

MW: All families change and grow and welcome new members into their  midst. It is the way the world turns. The queer family is no different. Each member is important, each voice needs to be heard, each generation valued, understood and respected in context. The youth have much to offer, the older people in our midst have already given much and have so much history and wisdom to share. Those of us in the middle can support some and mentor others. We have the financial stability to be philanthropists ensuring that the new generations have a doorstep to come to, find safe space and get their questions answered when the time comes.

If we ask the right questions and listen, every age in our community will find a place to belong at the Centre and inside this vibrant and diverse community.

GC: What do you hope to see in the community for 2013?

MW: I hope that the community takes ownership of the Centre and supports it - in other communities too. It is very hard to find support and access funding and people need to step up and donate, become regular givers.

I also hope that people will expand their circle of welcome, learn something new and find ways to leave a positive, life-changing footprint in the world around them. I hope the alphabet soup figures out that we are all in the pot together and that we are stronger and better because of it! I also hope people who haven’t, will find the support, courage and strength to come out, to be who they want to be and love who they love. And I hope the rest of us will be there to walk alongside. It’s a tough journey sometimes and we need all the help we can get.

GC: What is your five-year plan for the Edmonton Pride Centre?

MW: Well, there really isn’t enough space for a lot of details but it is to create a vibrant, relevant and sustainable community Centre: good programming and resources; fun events that target the many different audiences we serve; good education components and a healthy communities focus; meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships and partners; a strong and focused voice; a welcoming and responsive space. That’s the kind of Centre we are building.

GC: Is there anything else you wish to share with readers of GayCalgary Magazine?

MW: Come see me, or if you can’t then call or send me an Email. If you don’t know me, then let’s get to know each other. If you do and it’s been a while, let’s reconnect. If you were here last week...come again! Oh yeah, and don’t forget to make a donation.... we are counting on you!

GC: Thank you Mickey! We look forward to a bright future.