Barrie Pride Week officially kicked off today with the raising of the rainbow flag at City Hall.
With approximately 75 people in attendance, the hard work for the Barrie Pride committee now gets underway. The head of the organization David Bradbury was on hand to oversee the event and knows that this week will be full of fun but also long days.
“Sleep will not be a thing this week,” said Bradbury. “But we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re all so very excited for the many activities and days that are planned. This was the biggest crowd we’ve had for a flag raising and it’s just great to see this kind of energy. When it all comes together like today it makes the rest of the week look very promising. There is a strong feeling that we’re turning a corner and acceptance is becoming more and more a part of the norm.”
Many dignitaries were on hand as supporters of the LGBTQ community applauded and held signs of positivity. Noticeable in the crowd were Barrie Police officers as Chief Kimberley Greenwood made a speech about the excitement of the local force to be involved and how, coincidentally, they were meeting with the Gilbert Centre, a local organization with a passion for overseeing the health and well-being of people living with HIV and preventing new HIV infections as well as a string commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community. Chief Greenwood spoke of the importance of being involved personally as well as representing the police.
“The raising of the flag at City Hall has occurred over four years now and it was one of the first events that I joined when I came on as Barrie Police Chief,” said Greenwood. “I continue to be at most of the Pride events that do take place but the flag raising in particular is very symbolic not just in the city of Barrie but across the country and around the world; it shows that we are an inclusive society who value people and rights. Of course as a police force, we’re supportive but also here to make sure folks can celebrate those rights and that diversity peacefully.”
Mayor Jeff Lehman was happy that the week was finally upon the city as he feels it is always a great celebration and really shows how Barrie has come together over the years.
“I wanted to use the word comfortable in my speech but I didn’t want to imply that previous years were uncomfortable because they weren’t,” said Lehman. “But it was new before and I think with Pride Week becoming more accepted and a regular part of the calendar in the city, I think more people are indeed comfortable coming to this event and the others throughout the week.”
For more info on what’s happening this week with regards to Pride events, check out the website at www.barriepride.com
