As a week of acceptance and inclusion commences in Chatham-Kent, the head of the local gay pride group is calling for unity across the municipality.
Marianne Willson, the president of the CK Gay Pride Association, said due to a rise in anti-gay and transgender sentiment across the country in recent years, it’s more important than ever to support those in the community who could be targeted.
“We stand to support anybody who is facing oppression, discrimination, intolerance. We are all one community,” she said.
A flag raising was held on Friday to kick off Pride Week, followed by the Pride Parade in downtown Chatham Saturday, along with the family-friendly Pride Fest at Sons Of Kent.
A diversity service was also held on Monday at St. Andrew’s United Church.
Several other events are also planned throughout the rest of the week, including a virtual workshop fundraiser on Monday called “How Can I Be Your Ally?”
On Tuesday, Rainbow Storytime and a Pride trivia night will be held at the Chatham branch of the Chatham-Kent Public Library.
“I love that Chatham-Kent has really stepped up to the plate to do such an awesome job at being more aware, more inclusive, more open to all gender identities and diverse peoples in this community,” said Willson. “It speaks to our ability to grow and become a more accepting community.”
On Wednesday, LinCK will host a BBQ and bake sale at 11:30 a.m., a drop-in will take place at Bill’s Place Community Space at 3:30 p.m., Adventures of Priscilla will be shown at the Capitol Theatre at 7 p.m., and Turns and Tales will hold an event at 9 p.m.
Then on Thursday, Sons of Kent is holding a pub night at 7 p.m., and on Friday, a community bonfire will take place on Base Road at 9 p.m.
The Pride Dace will close out the week on Saturday at the Moose Lodge at 9 p.m.
For more information about Pride Week in Chatham-Kent, click here.