June is Pride Month, as Lethbridge celebrates the accomplishments of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
The Lethbridge Pride Fest Society presents a number of events throughout the month, including the Pride Parade, Pride in the Park, and the Pride Dance.
According to the Alberta Human Rights Commission, while 2SLGBTQIA+ rights have progressed in Alberta and Canada since 1969, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination.
Pride month reminds us of the continued need to advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in all aspects of society.
Pride Fest Society Chair Cassaundra Fayant said starting Sunday, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden hosts Pride in the Garden from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The annual Pride Awards Gala will be held June 13 at the Galt Museum at 7 p.m.
“That’s recognizing community members that have been advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives across southern Alberta,” noted Fayant.
Fayant added the Trans March will be June 14, which begins at Galt Gardens at 1 p.m. “We’ll be walking to City Hall, where there will be some speeches from anybody that would like to participate and talk about their trans experience.”
There will also be a Pride Flag Raising June 15 at City Hall at 6 p.m.
The Pride Parade starts at 11 a.m. on June 20, Fayant said. “That follows into Pride in the Park at 12, with different performances and activities throughout Galt Gardens.”
Fayant explained the first position at the front of the parade is reserved for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their friends and families. “The parade will follow our traditional route along Stafford Drive South and down 3 Ave South.”
Fayant noted the Pride Dance will follow at the Multicultural Centre with an 8 p.m. start.
“With the way the political climate has been as of late, it’s so important for community members and supporters to come out and show their pride and support for our community,” she added. “There’s been a number of political legislations that have been affecting people from the queer community, in particular queer and trans youth.”
It’s important now, more than ever, to be out there and visible, Fayant shared, “so those that may not have the capacity to come out or don’t feel like they have a support system can see there are others like them out there and they’re loved and supported.”
“Regardless of their level of outness at this time,” she added. “We do this for the community and it’s so incredibly heartwarming to see the impact these events have on the queer community in southern Alberta.”
For a full list of events or for more information visit online at lethbridgepride.com.
