Carbonear marks LGBTQ pride month
By Olivia Bradbury
The Town of Carbonear marked its annual LGBTQ pride celebration with a flag raising ceremony at the Pergola on June 4.
“Carbonear has an accessibility committee that also includes looking at issues related to the LGBTQ community and ensuring that some of the initiatives that we’re doing are inclusive of everyone and everything, and I think that’s very important,” said councillor Danielle Doyle. “And if there’s anybody here that ever has any ideas that they’d like to put forward to that committee, feel free to reach out to the town office at any time because they’re always looking for new initiatives when it comes to inclusive and accessible initiatives.”
Doyle told the crowd that a group from Carbonear Collegiate travelled to New York City last year and saw where the Stonewall riots took place. For those unfamiliar, the Stonewall Inn was a gay bar whose patrons rioted after it was raided by the police.
“There’s a beautiful memorial and stuff there,” said Doyle, “and that’s where a lot of the very first action in the pride movement started, and I think it’s really important that we embrace this, and that we continue to grow on the initiatives that we do on a regular basis.”
Doyle noted there were more people in attendance this year for the flag-raising ceremony than last year.
Stacy Harris, executive director of Communities Against Violence also addressed those on hand and pointed to her group’s partnership with the Town.
“This partnership continues to grow,” said Harris. “We love it every year for the opportunity to raise the pride flag, to let everybody in your community know that you’re inclusive and welcoming to all populations, which is really important.”
Harris said Gilbert Baker, the designer of the original rainbow pride flag, described the flag as a call to action. It has grown to include even more demographics within the LGBTQ community, she added.
“By flying the flag, we’re taking action,” said Harris. “And we’re still doing that today, and I’m sure that we’ll continue to do that in the future.”
Following the flag-raising, a barbecue and cake cutting was held at the Conception Bay Regional Community Centre. People could get their faces painted, or get photos taken with a pride picture frame or rainbow balloon display in the lobby. There were also goodies available like stickers and balloons.
After the meal, attendees participated in a pride walk around the town’s boardwalk. The start of the walk was marked with a balloon rainbow arch. “We have a walk today,” said Doyle, “but maybe someday we’ll have a parade.”