The Town of Qualicum Beach is again declaring June as Pride Month.
Coun. Robert Filmer urged council to continue what it started last year.
At the regular meeting on May 27, he recommended the town raise the Pride Flag again in recognition of Pride Month, which is celebrated around the world.
“Obviously we’re not going to have the same big and wow celebration that we had last year, but simply having the month declared whether it’s us sitting at this table or or not it’s something the town will now do,” said Filmer. “So I think that’s a nice thing.”
RELATED: Qualicum Beach raised Pride Flag and recognizes Pride Week
Mayor Brian Wiese indicated the town still does not have an official Pride Flag. Filmer said he provided one last year that the town still has not returned to him and advised the town use it again.
“I would recommend the town look into purchasing one from an actual flag company because it’s not going to withstand heavy winds and stuff,” said Filmer.
“But it’ll do for now.”
In a release, the town noted Pride Month promotes dignity, equality, and acceptance of those in our community that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirited, and/or additional sexual orientation and gender identities (LGBTQIA2S+).
While unable to celebrate in person this year because of COVID-19, the Pride Flag will be displayed on the town’s flagpole for the month of June.
“Pride week is an important week for the LGBT+ community that celebrates their diversity, commemorates their battles for legal rights and social acceptance, and serves as a reminder to continually seek equality for all. It is important that we continue to represent and honour the various groups in our community, which includes our LGBT+ residents,” said Wiese. “We are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive place for all people, of every sexual orientation, gender, race, and religion.”
June is also “National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month”. PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can appear following a traumatic event. It can affect victims or witnesses of distressful occurrences such as natural disasters, crimes, or major accidents.
This awareness month is intended to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated with it, and help those suffering from its effects.
— NEWS Staff, submitted
