A pride flag will be raised over Municipal Hall in advance of Squamish’s first community-wide celebration of LGBTQ2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Two-Spirited) individuals and their allies on Saturday, September 15.
A flag raising ceremony will be held outside Municipal Hall on Monday, September 9 at 9:30 a.m.
“We embrace all members of our community, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, and we are proud to raise the Pride flag in their honour,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “It’s heartbreaking to know that there are people among us who feel isolated or unsafe, and we are here to say you are valued and you are welcome. I also want to extend my thanks to all of the volunteers who have worked so hard to make this week-long event a reality and an opportunity for all of us to learn and participate.”
This is the first Pride Festival organized by Pride Squamish, a collective of local volunteers dedicated to creating local LGBTQ2S+ spaces and events in Squamish. In 2016 Council unanimously passed a motion of support for two rainbow crosswalks as a symbol of welcome for the LGBTQ2S+ community in Squamish.
“We are honoured that the District of Squamish has chosen to stand with us by raising the rainbow flag over Municipal Hall,” says Pride Squamish President Tabitha McIntyre. “It is our hope that we, as a community, will continue to create safe and supportive spaces for all, and that everyone will come together and join us in celebrating LGBTQ2S+ individuals and their contributions.”
Pride Squamish celebrations will be held at Junction Park on Saturday, September 15 beginning at 12 p.m. All ages are welcome. For more information visit https://pridesquamish.com/
