Kawartha Lakes celebrates Pride Month
This June, Kawartha Lakes will proudly recognize Pride Month and celebrate the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, families, staff, businesses, and community organizations.
Pride Month is a vibrant celebration honouring the history, achievements, and ongoing advocacy of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Throughout June and extending into July in Kawartha Lakes, events and initiatives will bring residents together to promote inclusion, respect, and belonging for everyone in the community.
A flag-raising ceremony will take place on Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. at Kawartha Lakes Police Service (6 Victoria Ave N, Lindsay). The flag raising, typically held at City Hall, has been relocated due to the ongoing landscaping project.
Kawartha Lakes is committed to creating a community where all people are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. “When people are free to be themselves, our whole community benefits,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie in a press release. “Pride Month reminds us that kindness, respect, and equal opportunity matter every day of the year.”
June is a month to recognize and uplift the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Let’s stand together against hatred and discrimination, and build a culture of friendship, understanding, and support. Everyone deserves to love and be loved, and together we can create a community where all people feel safe and included.
Get involved
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support local Pride events and initiatives.
Educate yourself and others: Explore books, documentaries, workshops, and community resources to deepen your understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ histories and experiences. Visit a Kawartha Lakes Library branch to learn more.
Support 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations: Consider donating to or partnering with organizations that advocate for equality, inclusion, and support services.
Municipal engagement
Flag Raising: The Pride flag will be raised at Kawartha Lakes Police Service on June 1.
Inclusive Policies: Kawartha Lakes continues its ongoing work to review and strengthen corporate policies that support inclusivity and equity as part of its commitment through the Canadian Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities (CCIM).
Pride activities at Kawartha Lakes Public Library
Pride-themed programs and events will take place throughout June and early July at Kawartha Lakes Public Library branches.
The ‘Pride Challenge Card’ will be available at branches between June 15 and July 15. Celebrate Pride by completing activities from the card. Do as many as you like; every square is a chance to learn, reflect, and celebrate Pride in your own way. People can pick up a copy from any branch or screen grab it from the Library’s Facebook or Instagram for a fun way to celebrate Pride Month.
Celebrate with children and the young at heart with a Rainbow Wand Craft at all library branches on Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Lindsay branch of the Kawartha Lakes Library hosts ongoing monthly programs, including Rainbow Story and Play and Rainbow Book Club.
For additional resources, residents can visit the Pride Resources page to explore the Pride Collection, discover support resources, and learn more about how the Library supports the 2SLGBTQIA+ community year-round.
This Pride Month, get involved, learn more about the experiences and histories of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and show support for inclusivity and acceptance in Kawartha Lakes.
