YMCA Northumberland held a Pride flag raising ceremony in Cobourg on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Y members, children from Terry Fox Public School along with police from Northumberland OPP, Port Hope Police and Cobourg Police were in attendance at the ceremony.
YMCA Northumberland CEO Eunice Kirkpatrick said the focus on the event was inclusion, diversity, equity and letting people know the Y is a safe place for all.
Each year the event is getting bigger and the Pride flag is hoisted.
“I think that’s important as we make sure we stay in front of it. It’s really just making people understand that everybody needs to feel that sense of belonging in their communities.”
Stephen Koshurba who is a Principal at Terry Fox Public School and a Board Member of Northumberland Pride said the Pride flag raising is more than just a symbol.
“It’s about a commitment to resiliency, advocacy and change particularly now when we are seeing a rise in dissension around the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”
“A lot of it is coming from south of the border, but we can’t ignore the fact it’s also happening close to home.”
“It’s about not taking it for granted all the rights that we have achieved up to this point.”
After the speeches students from Terry Fox Public School raised the Pride flag to the applause of people in attendance.
Speech of Stephen Koshurba who is a Principal at Terry Fox Public School and a Board Member of Northumberland Pride
“Both of these roles remind me, every day, of the importance of representation, safety and visibility – especially for our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.
A flag-raising ceremony like this is not just symbolic. It’s a public commitment.
When we raise the Pride flag, we send a clear and visible message: that all identities are welcome here, that their identities matter, and that this community stands with everyone.
For many – especially youth – this moment can be a lifeline. A reminder that they are not alone, and that they have allies in their schools, in their workplaces, and in public spaces like this one.
And let’s be honest – in a time when the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals – especially trans people – are being questioned and attacked in places not far from home, this kind of visibility matters more than ever.
Northumberland Pride is a local non-profit dedicated to building awareness, ensuring safety, advocating for equity, and celebrating the queer community right here in Northumberland County.
We believe in a future where everyone can live openly, authentically and without fear.
And we are so proud to do this work in partnership with the YMCA – an organization whose commitment to inclusion and belonging makes it a vital ally in this journey.
We must remember – raising a flag is not the end of the work.
It’s the beginning.
While we celebrate how far we’ve come, we must stay vigilant. Because we are seeing – across this province and even here at home – attempts to roll back rights, to spread fear, and to silence queer and trans voices.
That’s why Pride is not just a celebration.
It’s resistance.
It’s advocacy.
It’s a call to action.
We must speak up.
We must stand with our trans community members.
And we must continue to build a future where everyone belongs.
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
