BY DUCK PATERSON
The Town of Ladysmith is flying the flag for Pride Month.
On Thursday, June 1, members of Ladysmith council, town staff and the Cowichan Pride Society gathered to raise the intersex-inclusive progress Pride flag at city hall. The gathering marked the beginning of Pride Month, recognized across Canada and internationally.
Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone said Pride Month represents an opportunity to “come together and celebrate the vibrant diversity of the 2SLQBTQ+ community,” not just in Ladysmith, but other places, too.
“Our community is an embracing, welcoming and accepting community where all peoples of all walks of life are safe and welcome,” said Stone. “We hold up those who have been marginalized and we hope to have open conversation to educate. We all become better through those discussions and acceptance of everyone.”
Irma Soemodihardjo, from Cowichan Pride, said although acceptance has come a long way and members of the Pride community have seen positive change, they still face challenges and fears about being who they are.
“The raising of the flag is a visible way of showing the community of the coming together of the 2SLQBTQ+ community and others,” Soemodihardjo said. “Seeing the flag, it makes all the community feel warm and protected.”
READ ALSO: Nanaimo shows off its colours at Pride celebration
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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