The Barrie Pride flag is flying high at city hall, officially kicking off Pride Week in the city.
Close to 40 people were on hand to watch the rainbow flag, and for the first time the transgender pride flag, brought up the city hall flag pole.
Mayor Jeff Lehman did the honours and spoke of how important the flag raising is for Barrie.
“It’s an honour to be here and help raise a flag that means so much to so many in our city,” said Lehman. “This will begin a busy week for the local pride organization which will culminate on Sunday with the highly anticipated parade; a lot of work is going into this and all involved should be very proud of how this event has grown.”
Barrie Pride will have a full slate of events and activities throughout the week that should attract those who have participated before as well as those new to the event. Pride co-chair Shelly Skinner was all smiles on the windy Monday afternoon and promises that this will be a must-see parade.
“It is unreal how much in five years this event has grown and we’re so happy to be standing side by side with our transgender family this year with both flags flying together,” said Skinner. “The parade this year is going to be something to behold and I would say if you’ve never been to a pride parade, this is the year you will want to be here; this will be the most fun you’ve had and we encourage you to check out all events we have this week, but particularly the parade on Sunday.”
The fifth annual Pride Parade takes place Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m. and starts at the Tiffin boat launch.
This year, Barrie Police will not only help direct the parade, but they’ll be in it.
Chief Kimberley Greenwood was representing her uniformed men and women at the festivities Monday and showing off the rainbow-adorned Barrie Police cruiser that will be on the parade route Sunday.
“The Barrie Police Service has always supported Barrie Pride and their annual week of celebration and we have been included in the flag raising every year,” said Greenwood. “This year we are excited to be actively participating in the parade, and that’s a very wonderful time for our LGBTQ community and the police service itself to be able to partner in something like that.”
The pride event has reached many throughout the region as far out as Canadian Forces Base Borden as representatives from the Borden Pride Network were also in town today to how their support. Cpl. Cory Hirst is with the base’s organization and says that the newly established network is excited to be a part of Pride Week here in Barrie and throughout the region.
“We have just established this organization and we will be here on June 10 marching in the parade and also supporting all the local areas who have events happening in this pride week,” said Hirst. “It’s a great time to show that the Canadian Forces is diverse and we are not only supported but continue to support.”
For information on all Barrie Pride festivities, check out the website.
