The pride flag has been raised in several local communities to mark Pride month.
After two years of virtual events, everything is in-person this year.
Catherine Kiewning is Chair of Rainbow Alliance Dryden and says they are excited to welcome back the public.
“I think a lot of people are really missing in-person events, especially Pride events, and it does feel like these are some of the only times we get to celebrate the queer population in Dryden and surrounding area.”
Kiewning notes, “We are going to make sure that all of our events are COVID safe, that we’re following any rules that are in place. So, if you are nervous, please reach out to us and we will do our best to make sure everyone is accommodated and everyone is safe.”
Some of the event highlights include a Dryden Native Friendship Centre barbeque on June 10, a Coffee House at the Midtown Stage on June 25, and Trivia Night at the Best Western on June 28.
The main event is the Pride March on June 25.
Kiewning is inviting everyone to get involved to celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
“To celebrate their existence and resilience in our communities and to make sure that they feel that they belong in our communities.”
A complete list of activities and developments can be found at the Rainbow Alliance Dryden Facebook Page.
To hear more from Catherine Kiewning, visit the Audio link below:
Meantime, a flag raising ceremony was also held at École catholique de l’Enfant-Jésus School in Dryden.
Mme Claudine Savage issued the following statement before the event:
‘’ On Friday, June 3, we wanted to mark the beginning of Pride Month by raising the pride flag. It is important to recognize the challenges and adversity our 2SLGBTQI friends face and how we, as allies, continue to stand up for their story and reassure them that they are loved unconditionally.
Our goal is to provide an environment where everyone feels valued, included, respected, worthy and loved by raising the Pride flag at Enfant-Jésus Catholic School.
This gesture is to demonstrate our commitment as allies and to strengthen our welcoming and inclusive environments within our school board and its supports. All of our schools will be flying the Franco flag and the Inclusive Pride flag over the next few weeks.
The rainbow flag, understood as a symbol of welcome and inclusion, is supported by several principles of the Church’s social doctrine. On May 9, Pope Francis sent a message to the LGBTQ+ community, stating that “God is Father and does not deny any of his children.”
