Kawartha Lakes Pride Flag raising a symbol of coming together as a community
Happy Pride Month! June is the start of Pride celebrations throughout Canada. While it is a time to celebrate the rights and achievements of 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, it is also a reminder of ongoing struggles globally, including discrimination, violence and rights violations.
The Pride flag was raised at Kawartha Lakes City Hall on Monday June 3 at 11 a.m., and will remain up for the month of June.
“Pride Month is a time for us to come together as a community and celebrate the richness of our diversity,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “By raising the Pride flag, we are sending a clear message that Kawartha Lakes is a place where everyone is welcome, valued and respected. I look forward to seeing the community support and participation in local Pride events starting on July 8.”
Kawartha Lakes Pride recognizes July 8 to 14, 2024 as Pride Week, and hosts their events during this time. They acknowledge that June is widely celebrated as Pride Month, and that they need to share this month with other Pride events and celebrations. They plan their events around other Pride schedules to ensure the biggest possible impact. This means that the Kawartha Lakes community does not have to choose between events.
Follow the Kawartha Lakes Pride’s Facebook page to stay tuned for events during Pride Week (July 8 to 14).
To recognize Kawartha Lakes Pride Week, there will be another flag raising at Kawartha Lakes City Hall on July 8 at 9:30 a.m. The public are encouraged to attend this flag raising.
The Kawartha Lakes Public Library (KLPL) is hosting a variety of Pride themed events over the next few months.
– From June 22 to July 6, all library branches will have Pride-themed bingo sheets available. Our Pride Reading Challenge Bingo sheet features diverse prompts, from exploring LGBTQ+ classics to discovering contemporary queer voices. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just beginning your journey into LGBTQ+ literature, there’s something for everyone to explore. Reading suggestions are provided by members of the Rainbow Book Club which meets monthly at Lindsay branch. Can’t make it to a branch? A printable copy of the Reading Challenge can be found on our library Pride webpage.
– From June 22 to July 6 all library branches will have a Pride flag craft. Anyone who participates is encouraged to colour their flag, then put it up in a window to make everyone feel welcome in our community.
– A Cookie Decorating Workshop will take place Saturday July 6 at 2 p.m. in the Lindsay Program Department – a fun event for cookie lovers of all ages and skill sets. In the spirit of Pride, we will have a rainbow of icing colours and festive decorations to help you bring your cookies to life in vibrant designs. Members of the Rainbow Book Club will be on hand to discuss titles they have read as a group this past year. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow readers and celebrate a love of literature.
– The library will host Pride-themed Story Times suitable for young children on Tuesday July 2, Thursday July 4 and Saturday July 6 with stories and activities that promote inclusivity, kindness and acceptance. Children can see themselves reflected in stories that feature various family structures as well as tales of friendship and bravery. All children, their parents and caregivers are welcome to participate in this open and welcoming event in a supportive and inclusive environment. Story Time dates and times can be found on the library events calendar.
Kawartha Lakes Public Library will be in attendance at Pride in the Park on Friday, July 12 in Fenelon Falls. Library staff will have information and material about a variety of library services and programs, including our Pride Reading Challenge Bingo and details about our monthly Rainbow Book Club.
Note: The Pride flag will be replaced by the BGC Kawarthas Club Day flag from Friday June 7 to Monday June 10, 2024 to celebrate the contributions of this organization to our youth.
