Clarington, Pickering support Pride Month with flag-raisings
Published June 2, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Clarington and Pickering have both come out with statements of support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as Durham celebrates Pride Month, a time when both communities come together to honour, celebrate, and support inclusiveness.
“Pride Month is a time to celebrate our 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reflect on the challenges they have triumphed over and those that persist. We acknowledge the importance of fostering an environment of respect, and equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “We recognize that our diversity strengthens us, bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to our municipality.
Foster also thanked the individuals, supporters, and organizations within the community who work “tirelessly” to create safe spaces, provide resources, and advocate for the rights and well-being of our 2SLGBTQIA+ residents.
“As we raise the rainbow flag, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a community where love and acceptance triumph over prejudice and discrimination. By standing together with our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, we want to send a powerful message that Clarington is a place where everyone can live authentically and with pride.”
The City of Pickering also hosted a flag-raising ceremony in honour of Pride Month.
“By advocating for the rights of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, we demonstrate our commitment to equity and respect for all community members,” said Pickering Mayor in a statement. “Embracing the diversity within our community and ensuring that everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice is a core value that strengthens the fabric of our city.”
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“Advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights enriches our community by fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, and understanding for all,” he continued. “By standing together, we can create a community that celebrates the unique identities, perspectives, experiences and contributions of each resident, promoting unity, harmony, and a brighter future for everyone.”
Pride events in Pickering this month include Drag Queen Story Time on Saturday, Pride and Print June 7 and the Pride Party June 29, with all events at the Pickering Public Library.
The Durham Pride Parade is Sunday.
Cutline: Clarington Council members were joined by PFLAG Canada Durham Region and Pride Durham, along with members of the public and staff from the Municipality and the Clarington Public Library, Museums and Archives to raise the progressive Rainbow Flag to celebrate Pride Month this June.
Clarington Pride flag-raising ceremony