Following an attempt to restrict flag-raising at municipal buildings, Chatham-Kent’s local LGBTQ association is hosting an open forum for those who have been left feeling uneasy, angry and fearful.
The Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association will host a “Community Healing Conversation” on Monday at 5 p.m. to provide a virtual brave space to explore and validate emotions, experiences, and reactions.
“We have been hearing some feedback from the community who have been feeling some triggers and trauma, and it is our job to respond to those things in positive healing ways,” said Marianne Wilson, president of the Chatham-Kent Gay Pride Association.
The decision to hold the virtual forum comes after a motion was raised during a CK Council meeting on April 24 in an attempt to have Chatham-Kent’s flag-raising policy restricted to include only the Canadian, Ontario and Chatham-Kent flags.
The change would have excluded several flags that are flown annually to promote public awareness campaigns and community organizations, such as the rainbow Pride flag.
The motion, put forward by Councillor Rhonda Jubenville, failed in a 12-5 vote. However, a second motion was successfully passed to have administration develop a flag policy that has protocols to prove clear direction.
“I think it’s short-sighted to say all or nothing. I think that’s short-sighted in any scenario,” said Wilson. “The creation of a policy that is fair, that is equitable, and that is inclusive with a framework of justice around the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is absolutely required. I’m so glad the council members and the mayor agree that is the next step.”
While the motion was unsuccessful in CK, councillors in the nearby township of Norwich, Ontario recently voted to exclude Pride flags and all other non-civic flags from being flown on municipal property.
In a social media post, CK Pride said the attempt to prohibit flag-raising in Chatham Kent and “the related rise of anti-LGBTQ+ censorship, violence, and rhetoric” has had an impact, which has been profound and wide-reaching.
“Pride Flags serve as a signal of support, safety, care and hope for the 2SLGBTQIA+,” the group said in a Facebook post. “A caring community does not silence the celebration of days of commemoration and awareness, nor does it miss the opportunity to promote inclusion and diversity.”
The Pride flag was first raised at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre in 2000.
Those interested in the “Community Healing Conversation” will be able to find a link to participate on CK Pride’s social media pages at 4 p.m.