Golden’s first pride celebration is set to take place on June 1.
The event marks the first of its kind in town, inviting everyone from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond to come out and enjoy an afternoon relaxing by the pool and spray park, and enjoying some BBQ.
Before the fun in the sun, the Golden BC LGBTQ+ & Allies invite everyone to Spirit Square at 11 a.m. for a flag raising, and remarks of the importance and history of the pride movement and the pride flag. An iconic CBC Radio interview will play, and music will follow.
Then, the celebration will move over to the rainbow cross walk, at the Golden Pool and spray park, where the Golden Secondary School (GSS) Gay-Straight Alliance will host a BBQ. The location for the BBQ was chosen to acknowledge the Interact Club of Golden’s contribution to inclusivity with the creation of the rainbow crosswalk.
Although Golden hasn’t had an official pride celebration before, groups like the Interact Club, GSS’s Gay-Straight Alliance, and Golden BC LGBTQ+ & Allies have been working to make the community a diverse and inclusive environment for everyone.
“If we can foster an environment at work and in our community where everyone feels safe, physically and emotionally, to bring their whole selves out and be visible, we can each play a small part in affecting change on a much greater scale,” said Joy Guyot.
Golden’s first pride celebration required someone to take the reigns to make it happen. Guyot and the Golden BC LGBTQ+ & Allies were the right people for the job, coming together to set a date, prepare the festivities, and get people involved.
“It starts with celebrating diversity and it starts with the LGBTQ+ community in the town not being afraid to be visible,” Guyot said.
The community could do more to become more visible to other LGBTQ+ people who are travelling, Guyot suggested. While she and her wife travel, they do a lot of research on LGBTQ+ friendly places to visit.
“I think we need to have a share of that travel market here in Golden. And, I think we need to start with making sure Golden is LGBTQ+ friendly, and open for business for this sector of the industry,” Guyot said. “How this can be achieved is not just putting up a rainbow sticker on a window. It starts with the community standing up when you witness harassment, intolerance, and saying that it does not fly in this town, as well as education and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.”
Guyot hopes the community will come out to the event to show their support for all LGBTQ+ people in Golden and beyond. The event is expected to be casual and “very Golden.”
The official event begins Saturday, June 1 at 11 a.m. in Spirit Square. Everyone from the community is invited to attend and celebrate. For more information about the event and to stay posted for extra details, visit Golden BC LGBTQ+ & Allies Pride Event on Facebook.
