There’s a rainbow spreading across White Rock, with the launch of an initiative aimed at increasing safety for the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The ‘Safe Place’ program encourages businesses, schools and other institutions to pledge to be a welcoming haven for those feeling unsafe, a news release from White Rock RCMP states.
A shield-shaped rainbow decal placed in a window or door of participating sites indicates “a place where they will be welcomed and can call police and wait until officers arrive.”
Cpl. Amanda Galenzoski, noting the initiative is already in place in some other B.C. communities, said community policing volunteers began visiting White Rock businesses last week to explain the program and how to apply. Response has been positive, she said.
“There are some that already have collected their decals and displayed them,” Galenzoski told Peace Arch News.
“Most people that I talked to are really excited and want to be part of the program.”
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Galenzoski noted the effort in White Rock was not spurred by any untoward incidents. As well, lack of a decal on display does not mean a site is unsafe.
For 3 Dogs Brewing owner Pam Glazier, the reason for adding the decal to her business’s front door Friday was simple:
“We believe in it,” she told PAN.
“If somebody is unsure… we want to let them know that they will not be ridiculed or bullied in any way here.”
Those wanting to participate don’t have to wait for the program to come to them, Galenzoski noted. Sign-up may also be done in person at the detachment, 15299 Pacific Ave.
For more information, call 778-593-3600.
