Energeticcity is the voice of the Peace. But we need your help. Give $10 a month today and be the reason we can cover the next story!
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Pride Week kicks off this week with more events available for the residents than previous years, says the North Peace Pride Society.
City council proclaimed May 30th to June 5th the week residents celebrate the LGBTQ2S+ community. The pride activities begin with the Glow with Pride skate and swim event in partnership with the city, a virtual presentation on inclusivity and diversity, and a vehicle parade to cap it off.
“This year is probably the first Pride Week that we’ve had multiple events. It’s usually just the walk,” says NPPS executive director Lyle Goldie.
Goldie said the events wouldn’t be possible without the support from local businesses.
Local social media pages expressed their excitement, and disdain, this week for the pride flag that will fly in front of City Hall. Goldie said the negative comments surrounding the flag surprised him.
“It’s been going up in front of City Hall for maybe the past six years. So it was kind of a surprise, but the city has been incredibly supportive.”
Unfortunately, the society is used to negative comments, said Goldie, but they had no plans to out anyone.
“I don’t really want somebody to lose their job because of poorly thought out comment or whatever they’re trying to do on Facebook.”
The flag will fly from May 31st to June 5th.
Glow with Pride takes place on June 2nd, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a rollerblade skate at the Pomeroy Sport Centre and a swim at the North Peace Leisure Pool.
The next day, Canadian LGBTQ2S+ activist Marni Panas will speak on diversity and inclusion at a virtual event hosted by Urban Systems and the society.
To wrap up the week-long celebration, the society is hosting a vehicle parade, which was the only event held last year during Pride Week. Participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles but are asked to make sure they won’t fall off during the parade.
The parade will start outside the PSC at 3 p.m. The route is as follows: east on 93rd Ave, north on 86th St, East on 100ave, north on the East Bypass, west on 112th Avenue, south on 100th Street, west on 100th Ave, south on 102nd Ave, east on 93rd back to the PSC.
Pride merchandise will also be for sale outside the PSC starting at noon on parade day.
Aside from the events, the society purchased rainbow banners that have been placed around the PSC, and the Centennial Park stage will be covered in rainbow lights starting on May 31st.
All the information for each event can be found on the NPPS’ Facebook page.
Thanks for Reading!
Energeticcity.ca is the voice of the Peace, bringing issues that matter to the forefront with independent journalism. Our job is to share the unique values of the Peace region with the rest of B.C. and make sure those in power hear us. From your kids’ lemonade stand to natural resource projects, we cover it–but we need your support.
Give $10 a month to Energeticcity.ca today and be the reason we can cover the next story.
