With June now here, OUTNiagara is offering free support to municipalities across the region as communities take part in Pride Month and discussions around pride flag raisings.
Vice Chair Mike Eybel says the goal is to provide a constructive path forward while helping municipalities highlight the work they've done to advance inclusion throughout the year.
Eybel says the pride flag remains an important symbol for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but it's also meant to represent ongoing efforts toward equity and inclusion rather than being viewed as a final achievement. He says meaningful progress comes through dialogue, relationship-building and continued action by community leaders.
OUTNiagara has already reached out to all 13 municipalities in Niagara and says several communities have responded positively to the offer. While specific municipalities were not identified, Eybel says discussions are underway about what Pride Month celebrations and recognition efforts may look like this June.
Eybel also encouraged municipalities to share the steps they've taken over the past year to improve inclusion, noting that symbolic gestures should be accompanied by tangible action.
He says organizations and governments should continue reviewing policies, engaging residents and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard.
OUTNiagara operates as a volunteer-led organization that works with community partners across Niagara to advance equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the year. Eybel says the organization remains focused on ensuring all residents feel respected, included and represented, regardless of where they live in the region.
(Written by: Matt Latour)