To kick-off Pride Month, Borderland Pride will hold a special rainbow flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, June 3 starting at noon.
This ceremony will adhere to social distancing protocols. As such, the public is asked not to attend in person.
However, everyone is welcome to watch the event, as it’s live-streamed by MJ Interactive. The event can be found live on Borderland Pride and MJ Interactive’s Facebook pages.
The event will include remarks from the following individuals on the importance of showing that #PrideLivesHere: Mayor June Caul, Town of Fort Frances, Chief Brian Perrault, Couchiching First Nation, Douglas W. Judson, Co-Chair of Borderland Pride and a local youth.
So far in 2020, Borderland Pride has received Pride Month resolutions or proclamations from several area communities, including the Town of Fort Frances, the City of International Falls, the City of Ranier, the Township of Morley, Mitaanjigamiing First Nation, and Couchiching First Nation.
In the event that there is an issue with internet connectivity that prevents live-streaming, the event will be video recorded and posted online as soon as possible.
“Pride in 2020 is about showing solidarity in the face of isolation. That isolation is a feeling all too familiar to LGBTQ2 people living in small communities, and sometimes it has tragic consequences,” said Douglas Judson, Co-Chair, Borderland Pride. “When we are isolated with unsupportive families or away from our usual sources of strength, it is important to know and see that our institutions and community leaders are in our corner.
“While we have experienced some setbacks this year, Borderland Pride is proud to have municipal and Indigenous leadership figures from across the region recognize Pride Month and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion.”
