Out of respect for the children whose lives were taken in Kamloops, and in solidarity with the Indigenous People and non-Indigenous People throughout Lanark County who mourn their loss, Pride events were rescheduled.
LANARK COUNTY WIDE PRIDE 2021
As Covid -19 continued a number of first occurred in Lanark County.
- There was a convergent of energy of four Pride communities working together - Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Perth and Smiths Falls
- Lanark County Wide PRIDE committee was born - check us out on facebook at www.facebook.com/LanarkCountyWidePride
- Lanark County Proclaimed June Pride Month and flew the Progress flag at the County Building
- Perth Town Council flew the Progress Flag at the Town Hall
- Rainbow crosswalks were painted in Almonte, Clayton and Pakenham
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Letter Request to Lanark County
for a Proclamation & the Flag
Lanark County Wide PRIDE
Warden Christa Lowry
C/o Clerk Leslie Drynan April 26, 2021 99
ChristieLake Road Perth,
ON K7H 3C6
Dear Warden Lowry,
For the past several decades there have been pride events in various communities across Lanark County throughout the year. This year our groups have united to form Lanark County Wide Pride. We are writing to request a County Proclamation declaring June to be PRIDE Month in Lanark County.
Pride: Annual 2SLGBTQ+ Celebration and time of Remembrance
Every year, during the month of June, the 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, plus) communities celebrate in a number of different ways. Around the globe, various events are held during this month as a way of recognizing the influence and contributions 2SLGBTQ+ people have had in the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.
As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attract millions of participants. But these events serve another purpose – because every time a rainbow flag is visible or someone speaks out against homophobia/transphobia or walks in a Pride parade – these are all acts of resistance against hatred, violence and discrimination.
Pride Month is so important because it ensures the community continues to build upon the changes within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as having wider societal implications. Although intolerant attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this longstanding tradition, we continue to raise awareness, improve attitudes, reduce isolation and encourage inclusiveness.
#Pride2021
What were the Stonewall Riots?
The riots started after numerous a raids by the police that took place at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The 2SLGBTQ+ community held a series of demonstrations to protest against the injustices of these raids and to call for the establishment of places that gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation. In such places there should be no fears of being arrested. This was a pivotal moment in the consciousness of the gay community and the riots served as a catalyst for the fight for rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people, and within 6 months, 2 gay activist groups had formed in New York. Over the years since the event, many gay rights organizations have been formed, not just in the US, but around the world. As a result of this work, our human rights have been enshrined in the Charter of Rights & Freedoms, but much work needs to continue to fight homophobia and transphobia which continues to impact the daily lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in our communities.
What is 2SLGBTQ+ Pride?
It is a movement that celebrates the PRIDE in sexual and gender diversity. For two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (2SLGBTQ+) people, it is a way of protesting discrimination and violence. It promotes our dignity, equal rights and self-affirmation, and is a way of increasing society’s awareness of the issues we face.
Who Started the June Celebration?
Known as the “Mother of Pride”, it was Brenda Howard who coordinated the first 2SLGBTQ+ Pride march, as well as sparking the idea for a week of events around Pride Day. These events then developed into the annual 2SLGBTQ+ celebrations held every June. Mayors and communities across the province will proclaim June is PRIDE Month, and we would be honoured if Lanark County joined them in recognizing the value of 2SLGBTQ+ people to our communities.
In addition to the proclamation, we also request that Lanark County fly the PRIDE flag at the County headquarters from June 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
If you or any members of your staff have questions, please reach out to me (Michael Rikley-Lancaster) by phone 613-807-0128 or email [email protected].
With Pride, Lanark County Wide PRIDE, CP Pride, QCL Perth, Pride Mississippi Mills, Pride Smiths Falls.
Warden Christa Lowry
C/o Clerk Leslie Drynan April 26, 2021 99
ChristieLake Road Perth,
ON K7H 3C6
Dear Warden Lowry,
For the past several decades there have been pride events in various communities across Lanark County throughout the year. This year our groups have united to form Lanark County Wide Pride. We are writing to request a County Proclamation declaring June to be PRIDE Month in Lanark County.
Pride: Annual 2SLGBTQ+ Celebration and time of Remembrance
Every year, during the month of June, the 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, plus) communities celebrate in a number of different ways. Around the globe, various events are held during this month as a way of recognizing the influence and contributions 2SLGBTQ+ people have had in the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.
As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attract millions of participants. But these events serve another purpose – because every time a rainbow flag is visible or someone speaks out against homophobia/transphobia or walks in a Pride parade – these are all acts of resistance against hatred, violence and discrimination.
Pride Month is so important because it ensures the community continues to build upon the changes within the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as having wider societal implications. Although intolerant attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this longstanding tradition, we continue to raise awareness, improve attitudes, reduce isolation and encourage inclusiveness.
#Pride2021
What were the Stonewall Riots?
The riots started after numerous a raids by the police that took place at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The 2SLGBTQ+ community held a series of demonstrations to protest against the injustices of these raids and to call for the establishment of places that gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation. In such places there should be no fears of being arrested. This was a pivotal moment in the consciousness of the gay community and the riots served as a catalyst for the fight for rights of 2SLGBTQ+ people, and within 6 months, 2 gay activist groups had formed in New York. Over the years since the event, many gay rights organizations have been formed, not just in the US, but around the world. As a result of this work, our human rights have been enshrined in the Charter of Rights & Freedoms, but much work needs to continue to fight homophobia and transphobia which continues to impact the daily lives of 2SLGBTQ+ people in our communities.
What is 2SLGBTQ+ Pride?
It is a movement that celebrates the PRIDE in sexual and gender diversity. For two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (2SLGBTQ+) people, it is a way of protesting discrimination and violence. It promotes our dignity, equal rights and self-affirmation, and is a way of increasing society’s awareness of the issues we face.
Who Started the June Celebration?
Known as the “Mother of Pride”, it was Brenda Howard who coordinated the first 2SLGBTQ+ Pride march, as well as sparking the idea for a week of events around Pride Day. These events then developed into the annual 2SLGBTQ+ celebrations held every June. Mayors and communities across the province will proclaim June is PRIDE Month, and we would be honoured if Lanark County joined them in recognizing the value of 2SLGBTQ+ people to our communities.
In addition to the proclamation, we also request that Lanark County fly the PRIDE flag at the County headquarters from June 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
If you or any members of your staff have questions, please reach out to me (Michael Rikley-Lancaster) by phone 613-807-0128 or email [email protected].
With Pride, Lanark County Wide PRIDE, CP Pride, QCL Perth, Pride Mississippi Mills, Pride Smiths Falls.
Lanark County Proclamation
June is PRIDE Month
June 1st to 30st, 2021
WHEREAS Lanark County supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination; and
WHEREAS all people regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic characteristics or disability have the right to be treated on the basis of their intrinsic value as human beings; and
June 1st to 30st, 2021
WHEREAS Lanark County supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination; and
WHEREAS all people regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic characteristics or disability have the right to be treated on the basis of their intrinsic value as human beings; and
WHEREAS Lanark County accepts and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and believes a diverse population leads to a more vibrant community; and
WHEREAS the Two Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and + (2SLGBTQ+) communities contribute to the cultural, civic and economic successes of the Lanark County; and
WHEREAS while we as a society at large are slowly embracing new definitions of sexuality and gender we must also acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice; and
THEREFORE, to acknowledge the efforts to bring awareness to the continuing evolution to the 2SLGBTQ+ Pride movement, Lanark County will display the Rainbow Flag, representing light, healing, sun, calmness, art and spirit, in front of the County Headquarters for the month of June.
NOW
THEREFORE: I, Warden Lowry, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as “June is PRIDE Month” in Lanark County, and encourage our residents to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community face and to celebrate the contributions that enhance our county.
