Mayor Darrin Canniff helps raise the Pride Flag at the Civic Centre on Monday afternoon
Pride Week 2020 began in Chatham-Kent today with a flag raising at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre
Marianne Willson of CKPride said the annual event has been altered due to COVID-19 but the reasons behind it remain the same, to acknowledge and provide encouragement and support to the LGBTQ community.
“Although we cancelled the parade and Pride in the Park Festival due to health concerns, we wanted to be able to celebrate in an appropriate manner,” she said.
After conferring with public health, police and fire officials, the group will hold a Pride Week Bonfire on Friday at 8:30 p.m. at a rural address near Blenheim.
Throughout the week, Willson said people are encouraged to share pictures and videos in support of CK Pride through social media, using the hashtag #ShareYourPrideCK.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said flying the rainbow flag emphasises the fact that Chatham-Kent is an inclusive community. “We want everyone to feel at home and comfortable in Chatham-Kent,” he said.
