Today, June 1st, marks the beginning of Pride Month

Saugeen First Nation Chief, Conrad Ritchie, also spoke saying that “As human beings, we are wired for connection and it’s segregation and isolation that causes a sickness in people.  We are all connected to each other.”

Rachel Paterson, Grey Bruce Pride Chair, encouraged the crowd to also remember that June is Indigenous People’s month.  “We cannot speak about the queer community without speaking about two-spirit people and how historically they have led our community.  When we look at our flag we see people of colour and our trans community. Those have always been the people who have guided us towards safety and community so we always look to them and thank them for guiding us with their teachings.  We encourage everyone to learn about our two-spirit community and to understand their teachings in our lives as an act of reconciliation.”

She added that the flag is more than just a “colourful piece of fabric”.  “It is a beacon of hope and reminds people that we are safe and welcomed. Especially in our rural communities where visibility is so difficult and where many of us have retreated into ourselves.  We need to look back at how our queer elders have been here before, have experienced this hate before and we know how to deal with it … it’s about showing up and standing with each other.  It’s about making sure you’re there for community. Two-spirit people are snares that keep our circle together.”

Paterson added that “When we come to Saugeen Shores, the Mayor is very supportive.  He speaks from his heart and I think that’s a really important thing to recognize.  Our community sees and recognizes when we are welcomed. The reality is not all communities, not everybody is welcoming and not everybody tries to ensure that we are safe and protected within the community.  I love coming to this event where individuals speak from their heart and truly know the meaning of inclusivity.  Mayor Charbonneau speaks about the importance of our queer community and the Indigenous community and he truly is a great leader and I respect that.”

Although she would not disclose which communities were not welcoming, she intimated that they are in Bruce County.

Also among those in attendance was a large group of UNIFOR members from across Canada who are in Port Elgin at the UNIFOR Family Education Centre for the annual National Pride Conference for 2SLGBTQIA+ members.

Randy MacLean of Victoria, B.C. UNIFOR also reiterated that “…We are all one community and beyond.  We are fighting for peace and safety for all so that, hopefully, we won’t need Pride parades.  That’s the end goal.”