On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Municipality of Port Hope Council, alongside staff and community members, gathered to commemorate the beginning of Pride Month. This was marked by a Progressive Pride flag raising at Town Hall at 9 a.m.
The Progress Pride flag features the six traditional rainbow stripes as well as a chevron with the pink, light blue, and white stripes of the Transgender Pride flag, which was designed in 1999. The black and brown stripes represent historically marginalized Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The Progress Pride flag, that has been raised at Town Hall for several years, incorporates elements that focus on inclusion and progress within the community and is being used widely by communities throughout Canada, including some of our local schools and neighbouring municipalities.
“The Progress Pride flag flying at Town Hall is a reminder to all residents and visitors of our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression has no place in our community,” notes Olena Hankivsky, Mayor for the Municipality of Port Hope. “This Council will continue to foster an inclusive, equitable and diverse community, where people feel safe, respected, and welcome to express themselves.”
Co-organizer of the Pride Festivities in Port Hope, Jenna Braun said the event was finding all about equality and inclusion.
“Because it’s the very first proclamated Pride Month in Port Hope we thought it would be great to have a celebration for all the hard work by the Mayor and our community.”
For Braun, Pride Month means, she is free to be herself.
‘It’s about including everyone in the community and never hiding who I am for a moment.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
