Bill’s Place officially opens doors in Chatham

Those who knew Bill Brokenshire say he would have been overjoyed to see this day finally come.

With a large crowd in attendance, the Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association officially opened the doors to Bill’s Place, located at 48 Center St. in Chatham.

The space is geared to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Chatham-Kent, serving as not only a central hub for the organization, but also a place for drop-ins, programming, supports and various events.

Brokenshire, who died in 2018, was a former Chatham resident who later moved to Toronto. He left a trust fund to CK Pride to create a safe space for the community.

After several pandemic delays, a soft launch was held late last year.

Saturday’s event featured tours, a ribbon-cutting and refreshments. Mayor Darrin Canniff and a number of councilors were also in attendance, along with municipal staff.

To enthusiastic applause, Marianne Willson, association president, welcomed the gathering to the space.

She said Brokenshire left the Chatham-Kent area decades ago because he didn’t feel safe as a gay man.

“He continued his life in Toronto as an amazing educator, an incredible community leader, an incredible friend,” Willson said.

“When he learned of his terminal illness, he reached out and said, ‘I want to leave a legacy of my life and I want to do something to make things better.’ … He knew that Chatham-Kent needed this resource.”

The bright and welcoming space features a tree painted on the wall, listing the names of donors. A framed photo of Brokenshire himself also adorns the wall.

Nathan Dawthorne, association vice-president, called it an ideal location given its proximity to downtown, accessibility and other amenities.

He noted some of the services available include peer support, youth programs, name and gender ID change clinics, as well as gender-affirming clothing programs.

“We have a lot of supporters in the community,” he said. “And a lot of people coming to us looking (to help), both community organizations, businesses and allies.”

Michelle Wright, treasurer and Brokenshire’s niece, said her uncle would have been impressed with what he saw inside the building bearing his name, along with the atmosphere outside during Saturday’s celebration.

“He’d be over the moon,” she said. “This is exactly what he would want.”

For more information about Bill’s Place, visit ckpride.com