Sun comes out for gay pride celebrations in Harbour Grace
By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
There were a few postponements because of weather, but the Town of Harbour Grace, in collaboration with the Splash Centre and the group Communities Against Violence finally managed to hold their Pride Day festivities late last month.
The organizers were rewarded with a beautiful, warm, sunny day, as some residents, representatives of local community groups, and members of the municipal and provincial governments gathered to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
The festivities began with a Pride flag-raising at S.W. Moores Memorial Park in Harbour Grace. The flag was raised by Harbour Grace – Port de Grave MHA and provincial cabinet minister Pam Parsons, Mayor Don Coombs, and Junior Miss Newfoundland and Labrador Audrey Snow. Many attendees sported rainbow stickers on their clothes or skin, including Mayor Coombs, who at the flag-raising spoke about the importance of celebrating Pride in the community. Officials from the Town provided stickers for sharing at the event that featured Harbour Grace’s logo and slogan “Let Yourself In” on a rainbow background.
Following the flag-raising, further celebration took place at the Harbour Grace Splash Centre. Many of the children in attendance wore rainbow colours and adorned themselves with rainbow heart stickers. There was another Pride flag-raising, a barbecue, musical entertainment, and an ice cream truck selling its wares. MHA Parsons, Communities Against Violence executive director Stacy Harris, and Youth Member of the Splash Centre Board of Directors A.J. Clarke gave speeches about Pride, equality, and the significance of celebrating. This was followed by a musical performance by MHA Parsons on guitar and vocals, and St. Francis music teacher Stephanie Oliver on the keyboard. They performed Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” and Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me.” They were followed by several other young performers including Junior Miss NL Audrey Snow.
“I think it’s wonderful,” Parsons said of the celebrations. “Harbour Grace comes together each and every year for this.”
She noted that Pride is not limited to an annual event, or one month out of the year. Supporting equality and the LGBTQ+ community is something that should be done every day, she said. Parsons commended the Splash Centre’s collaboration on the event, as well as the programs and education the centre offers.
“They do amazing work, for the community, youth network, to support equality, inclusivity and, of course, education about all life issues ultimately,” said the member.
In his speech at the Splash Centre, Clarke spoke about the struggles, persecution, and dangers that some members of the LGBTQ+ community faced in the past. While some corners of society have become more accepting of the gay community over the past several decades, this is not the case everywhere, and many members of the community still face persecution and danger due to their identities.
Clarke said while some aspects of society are imperfect and there is more work to be done, people should aim to continue improving and growing, making the world a better place for LGBTQ+ individuals and all minority groups.
“We are stronger together in our collective efforts to create a world where everyone can thrive,” he declared. “Let’s continue to push forward with acceptance, progression, and community.”