Who We Are
We represent Mackinac Island, Saint Ignace, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Les Cheneaux, and the surrounding areas. We work to raise public awareness about lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, and other queer-identifying (LGBTQ) people, lifestyles, and traditions; to provide and encourage the provision of safe, equitable, and public spaces for LGBTQ people and their allies within the Straits of Mackinac region; to provide emotional, intellectual, professional, educational, and financial support to LGBTQ people and their allies, and to projects which encourage or create the provision of such support; and to sponsor, host and/or participate in events and activities that promote awareness about LGBTQ people, lifestyles, and traditions.
If you are a resident or visitor of the Straits of Mackinac who identifies as LGBTQ or if you are an ally who believes that all people should be treated fairly and equitably regardless of gender or sexual orientation, we would love to hear from you!
Straits Pride was formed in March 2019 by Travis Sredzinski, Kyrsten Cavazos, Bart Berkshire, and Philip Rice in response to growing need for representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the Straits of Mackinac region.
Our Mission
We provide advocacy and support, encourage understanding, and promote visibility for the queer community in Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac region. We work to raise public awareness about lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, and other queer-identifying (LGBTQ) people, lifestyles, and traditions; to provide and encourage the provision of safe, equitable, and public spaces for LGBTQ people and their allies within the Straits of Mackinac region; to provide emotional, intellectual, professional, educational, and financial support to LGBTQ people and their allies, and to projects which encourage or create the provision of such support; and to sponsor, host and/or participate in events and activities that promote awareness about LGBTQ people, lifestyles, and traditions.
Meet Our Board
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Travis Sredzinski
(he/him) · Board President · Fund Development Committee Chair
Travis started working on Mackinac Island in 2007 at the age of 19 and quickly fell in love with the community and Straits of Mackinac region. As one of the founding members of Straits Pride, he is overjoyed with how much the organization has grown in the last half decade. Being able to create spaces that would have meant so much to him as a young adult is the most validating aspect of the work and he is excited to see what the future holds for Straits Pride.
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Kyrsten Cavazos
(she/they) · Board Vice President · Social Engagement Committee Chair
Kyrsten has lived on Mackinac Island since 2010, and was a founding member of Straits Pride in 2019. She works professionally in hospitality and lodging, and is quite active in the Island's community theatre. Kyrsten has a passion for community outreach and engagement with a focus on youth, and is so thrilled to work with Straits Pride to provide programming and social opportunities that create spaces for the Straits region's LGBTQ+ community members to thrive.
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Bart Berkshire
(he/him) · Board Secretary
As a founding member and Board Secretary of Straits Pride, Bart Berkshire champions LGBTQ+ inclusion on Mackinac Island. With a background in hospitality and hotel management, Bart combines expert service with a passion for creating welcoming spaces. He also serves as a firefighter on the island, further demonstrating his commitment to community well-being. Through his roles, Bart works to ensure Mackinac is a safe, celebratory place for LGBTQ+ residents, visitors, and allies.
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Philip Rice
(he/him) · Board Treasurer · Events Committee Chair
Philip has been living on Mackinac Island since 2016 and built a house on the island in 2023. He helped found Straits Pride in 2019. He works in arts administration and is active in the local community theatre. As an event planner, he enjoys working with Straits Pride on festivals and programs that create spaces for entertainment and recreation that involve the entire community.
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Dr. Andrea Bassett, Ed. D.
(she/her) · Board of Directors
Andrea relocated to Mackinac Island in 2023 after decades of working globally. She currently works as a traumatologist and uses her skills and training to encourage safety, both physically and psychologically, for the LGBTQ+ community. Andrea was excited to get involved with Straits Pride and continue her passion for advocacy and support of the queer community.
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Liz Burt
(she/her) · Board of Directors
Liz Burt has called Mackinac Island home since 1993. A devoted mother of two and a public school teacher, Liz strongly believes that every child deserves to grow up in an environment where authenticity is celebrated, and live in a world where no individual is marginalized or denied their fundamental rights. As a member of our Board of Directors she works tirelessly to further the mission of Straits Pride, and she reminds us that change begins with compassion and empathy.
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Sarah Gutchess
(she/they) · Board of Directors
Sarah has been a resident of the Straits region since 2019, with ties to the area dating back to 2014. Currently based in Saint Ignace, Sarah's work allows her to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, an aspect of her job that she deeply enjoys. Sarah's journey with Straits Pride began in 2022, initially as an attendee at events, which later evolved into a role as a board member. She is passionate about contributing to the organization's mission, assisting with event planning, and fundraising efforts to create inclusive and safe spaces that benefit the community.
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Waabanokiizhick Mandosking
(she/her) · Board of Directors
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Rheanna Mckechnie
(she/her) · Board of Directors
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Adrian Skazalski
(he/him) · Board of Directors
Adrian moved to Mackinac Island in 2020 to continue his career in outdoor recreation. Currently a park ranger on the island, he’s passionate about equity and accessibility in public lands and community spaces. When he moved to the island, Adrian was drawn to the advocacy and visibility Straits Pride offers to the diverse population of the Straits region. Through Straits Pride, he welcomes the opportunity to further advocate and create safe spaces for the LGBTQ community, with a particular interest in bringing awareness to the transgender community.
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Maria Sych
(they/she) · Board of Directors
Maria Sych has worked on the Island seasonally since 2010, landing here for good in 2020 with a role at the Mackinac Island Community Foundation. Passionate about fostering collaboration to build equitable, inclusive, and thriving communities, Maria has a background in nonprofit marketing & development, and joined the Straits Pride board in 2021. As a multimedia artist and writer, Maria enjoys engaging with and learning the stories of those in our diverse service area through Straits Pride events, and finding creative ways to amplify the impact of Straits Pride in our community.
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John Wheaton
(he/him) · Board of Directors
A sixth-generation northern Michigan native, John is honored to support Straits Pride’s mission of promoting LGBTQ+ awareness, acceptance, and inclusivity across Cheboygan and Emmet Counties. Though his career has taken him across the U.S., his strong ties to Cheboygan have always drawn him home. With experience in event management, nonprofit leadership, and hospitality—including work at two Mackinac Island resorts and leading historic tours—he’s eager to use his skills to foster community engagement and help expand Straits Pride’s impact.
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Koji Yammamoto
(he/him) · Board of Directors
With passion for connecting with people from all walks of life and a commitment to fostering an inclusive community on Mackinac Island led Koji to join the board of Straits Pride. As the manager of a local hotel since 2016, he has welcomed visitors from all over. An avid traveler when not on the island, Koji believes Straits Pride plays a vital role in celebrating the diversity of the community and ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported.