While COVID-19 may have put a stop to some Pride celebrations this month, local Pride groups are planning on events in September.
“We are going online in September 2020 for a special few days of events,” said Pride officials. “We recognize people want to be together during these times, however, North Bay Pride needs to keep us all safe.”
“Pride isn’t just a month to me, it’s a state of mind. It’s a constant in my life. Pride is about living every day out with integrity and honesty so I can make a difference for others,” said Seth Compton, speaking on behalf of OUTLoud North Bay. “Pride is about standing up for others when, for whatever reason, they’re unable to stand up themselves. OUTLoud North Bay is my way of offering a safe space and accomplishing small goals for the LGBTQ2S community with the hope that one day, we’ll all live in a much better place.”
A new entry to local pride initiatives is West Nipissing Pride. They have done some things this month, such as painting rainbows on some crosswalks in downtown Sturgeon Falls and flying the Pride flag at Minnehaha Bay. They are also part of this joint organizing.
“Pride allows us to celebrate diversity and promote equality for all humans,” West Nipissing Pride officials said.
The North Bay and District Labour Council (NBDLC) says they are supporting Pride during this time as well.
“Pride Month and Pride celebrations will look different this year but the importance of this month and the Labour movement’s support for organizations that offer so much to members of the 2SLGBTQ+ in the community are the same,” said NBDLC president Henri Giroux.
