Pride Month is a celebration of how far we have come, a remembrance of where we came from, and a reminder of how far we have yet to go.
We celebrate standing in one’s own identity against oppression and acknowledge all the ways that we need to keep moving forward to ensure that all peoples are treated equitably, without distinction.
How did June become the month we celebrate Pride?
A: The first pride parade was held in 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising. The location was a popular gay bar in New York City and while the raiding of gay bays and policing of establishments was common place, in 1969, the patrons fought back which stretched on for days in what is known now as the Stonewall Riots.
For more information about the history of pride, as well as to hear a bit more about the areas that we have much word to do , we encourage you to watch the Key Note address of the Canadian Psychological Association’s 2021-2022 President, Dr. Ada Sinacore which can be accessed here.
We also encourage you to head over to Egale, an organization whose mission is to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and to enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues.
In April, 2023, Egale sent an open letter urging all municipalities to fly the Pride Flag as a Symbol of Solidarity for 2SLGBTQI People in their Community as Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate Continues to Rise Across Canada.
Never doubt the importance of showing support and solidarity. A municipality in Northwestern Ontario recently raised their Pride Flag and a member of that municipality shared what that meant to them. They indicated that they embrace and support others sharing their story so maybe it can help someone. Please read their story here:
Today I saw a pride flag up on a new flag pole at our municipal office. I had to pull over a short ways up the road. It brought tears to my eyes and I sobbed till I could hardly breathe.
My thoughts were, maybe one person, who needs that community support, on that day, will see it too, and feel lighter, and will not do suicide. If seeing it there every day they drive by to and from work or school, could it be just that little thing that saves them, their loved ones from the heavy grief. Could they feel supported by the leaders in our community? As I get older, I see that the small things in life make more of a difference than the big things.
You see, my daughter Lindsey was a lesbian and died of suicide in 2017. She drove by our municipal office every day to and from work while living at my home. If that flag was up there then, would she still be here today? Would she feel supported by our community leaders? Would it have been just enough to keep her from that tipping point? I want to believe that if that flag being there now can contribute, even a small amount, to saving just one life, that life matters.
Thank you to our council.
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At NORPIC, we proudly display the Pride Flag on our website as a symbol of solidarity and support.
To learn more about the Pride Flag, and what it symbolizes, please click here.
Finally, please click here for a handy infographic produced by the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada that shared terms and definitions.
Happy Pride Month!
