Home to 1.6 million people, Calgary is a dynamic, multicultural and growing city. As international and interprovincial migration continues to fuel record population growth in Calgary, enhancing inclusivity and livability is a priority in Calgary’s economic action plan, Uplook.
We had the opportunity to speak with Serbian-born 2SLGBTQI+ and newcomer activist Boban Stojanovic about his decision to move to the Blue Sky City to create a meaningful life and career. Now the Vice President of Vulnerable Population Services at the Centre for Newcomers, Boban shared insights into his advocacy work and his experience settling into a new city.
What inspired your move to Calgary?
I moved to Calgary from Serbia in October 2016 with my partner at the time, and our cat. In the '90s, I entered into peace activism because of the many conflicts in the region. This gradually shifted to me actively supporting 2SLGBTQI+ rights — especially in my small hometown in eastern Serbia — where support for the queer community was nonexistent.
After losing my job at a local TV station due to my activism, I moved to Belgrade, where I helped organize Pride events despite facing government repression. After I experienced a violent street assault in August 2016, and with no response from the government or authorities, I no longer felt safe in my home.
I realized I needed to find a new home that would welcome me and what I believe in. We chose to move to Calgary, because a friend who had previously relocated here had a spare room and welcomed us to stay with her. After watching a few YouTube videos of someone driving through northwest Calgary, I remember thinking how the communities looked nice and safe. That's when we decided to move to Calgary — and after eight years, I don’t regret it
After arriving to Calgary, how fast did you feel like a Calgarian and a part of the community? What struggles did you face?
When we relocated not only to a new city — but a new country — I faced struggles like many other immigrants. The biggest challenge was to understand the complexity of Canadian culture. Europe is very diverse but homogenic at the same time, whereas Canada is very eclectic and multicultural which is unique compared to the rest of the world.
For a while I felt disconnected because of so many new challenges — new country, new language, new city, new rules — but that went away after a while. I felt like a Calgarian when I realized how multicultural both the city and country is. Here, because there are so many different cultures, I didn’t feel like I had to fit into ‘one way’ of being a Canadian, and realized there was no one way of being a ‘pure Canadian.’
Also, when I was able to take a walk downtown and around the city without fearing where I was, I felt like a Calgarian. Once I became familiar with the environment and felt safe, I felt deeply connected to the city.
Can you speak to what your role as the Vice President, Vulnerable Populations at the Centre for Newcomers entails? In what ways do you advocate for the 2SLGBTQI+ and newcomer community through this work?
When I moved to Calgary in 2016, there were limited resources for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers, refugees or asylum seekers. A year later, I joined the Centre for Newcomers as a Settlement Practitioner, using my previous activism and nonprofit experience to identify and address the gaps and problems, and take steps to improve them.
Today, we offer comprehensive settlement services for 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers such as English Language Programs, Settlement Services and Career and Employment Services. Our presence is felt across the community, from Pride events to ongoing support programs.
I'm proud to have been part of the team that helped bring more diversity to Calgary’s 2SLGBTQI+ spaces. It’s inspiring to see groups like Desi queer, Latino queer and Black Pride emerging. What brings me the most joy is seeing my former clients thriving whether it's through art, music or community involvement. Watching them go from struggling to finding their place in the mainstream is truly rewarding.
How do you see Calgary becoming a welcoming and safe city for the 2SLGBTQI+ community?
In Calgary, people are welcoming and genuinely supportive. For example, when our clients at the Centre for Newcomers need something to start their lives, like furniture or donations, the community comes together quickly to help them out. It’s incredible how helpful and giving people are here.
It’s promising that Calgary now has a variety of programs to welcome those new to the city. At the Centre, we offer a variety of services like guiding newcomers through legal and financial services, refugee claims and finding housing. On the social side of things, we offer group activities to help newcomers become familiar with the city and build connections.
What are some special 2SLGBTQI+ and queer-friendly spaces or businesses you’ve found in Calgary?
I’m a big foodie and love exploring Calgary’s diverse culinary scene. I especially enjoy supporting small, local and immigrant-owned spots that offer affordable, authentic meals. It’s great to see rainbow stickers on the doors of so many restaurants, signaling a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQI+ followers and especially for newcomers.
When I'm out with my 2SLGBTQI+ friends, we often hang out at places like Cold Garden, Civic Tavern or Texas Lounge. For coffee, I’m a fan of Rosso Coffee and Phil & Sebastian. To indulge my European vibes, I visit a cozy downtown café called Loophole, which is super queer-friendly.
I have spent most of my life advocating for human rights, which has given me the ability to recognize areas that need improvement. In Canada, Alberta, and Calgary, there is room for growth. However, since moving here, I’ve learned the importance of acknowledging the good around us—and Calgary has plenty of that. I believe this perspective is shared by many 2SLGBTQ+ refugees, as we have experienced firsthand how difficult life can truly be.
How can allies of the 2SLGBTQI+ community do their part in making this city more inclusive?
While there are many ways we can support each other, it's important to address what immigrants can do to be more inclusive. Many of us come from cultures that aren’t particularly 2SLGBTQI+ friendly, but we all moved here seeking a better life. It’s crucial for us to remember that everyone, including our neighbors, is here for the same reason. Instead of just tolerating differences, we need to allow and support people to live their lives freely, which is key to building a more inclusive immigrant community.
