The Municipality of North Grenville has declared June to be Pride Month. At a flag raising ceremony at the Municipal Centre on June 1, Mayor Peckford reflected on the reasoning behind the event.
“Today’s flag raising, and the annual proclamation of Pride Month reflects our community’s commitment to diversity. We all have the right to belong, no matter our gender or sexual identity. North Grenville is well known for being an exceptionally caring and compassionate place. It is important that this care extends to all members of our community, particularly our youth.
This year, the Municipality will raise a newly redesigned Progress Pride Flag that includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of colour, along with pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag. The Progress Pride flag was developed in 2018 by non-binary American artist and designer Daniel Quasar.
“The redesigned flag celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and calls for a more inclusive society,” added Melissa Button, Member of the Board of Directors with NG Pride.
North Grenville’s Council also recognizes the leadership of the community not-for-profit group, NG Pride, which was established in 2018 to plan, fund, and organize Pride activities in the Kemptville area and to support LGBTQ2+ people and their families.
“Pride Month is dedicated to uplifting and celebrating LGBTQ2S+ voices and cultures, and demonstrating our support for LGBTQ2S+ rights. Let’s come together to reinforce our commitment to inclusivity, acceptance and allyship,” added Councillor Kristin Strackerjan.
Kemptville held its first Pride Parade in 2019. The parade has been cancelled for the past two years due to the pandemic. Instead, the Pride committee held virtual events and a home decorating contest. Last year, at the request of NG Pride, Council voted to paint a rainbow pride crosswalk at the corner of Prescott and Reuben Street in downtown Kemptville.
“After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to be hosting the 2022 Pride Parade on June 12,” highlighted Ms. Button. “This year we are dedicating the parade to Kyiv Pride. We welcome everyone to celebrate with us – young or old, individual or business! Be Bold. Be loud and be proud!”
The Pride Parade will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 12 at Kemptville Campus and end with a celebration at Riverside Park with food, fun and vendors.
In addition to the Parade, NG Pride is also organizing a Flotilla on Saturday, June 11. Beginning at 11:00 am at Curry Park, participants are invited to come out with their kayak, canoe or paddle board and dress up in their brightest colours to paddle down the South Branch.
For more information on Pride festivities and to get involved visit www.kemptvillepride.com.
