A storm brought rain, thunder, and lightning to start June, but also a rainbow that spread across the Regina sky, just in time to kick off Pride events in the city.
Lisa Phillpson, the co-chair of Queen City Pride, said this year’s theme is “Pride for All.”
“The intention behind the theme is the representation of all 2SLGTBQIA+ communities. They are welcome to come and be part of our festival. We also include allies who continue to fight beside us, especially when there is a lot of opposition to our existence.”
To start the festivities, both the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina helped Queen City Pride kick things off.
Laura Ross, the minister of parks, culture, and sports, said the province had proclaimed June Pride Month across Saskatchewan.
“Pride Month provides an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about general and sexually diverse communities across our province.”
“Regina Pride highlights the community’s cultural and historical achievements; it also highlights the systematic changes that we are all facing today. We are thankful for the opportunity to participate, to raise awareness about the pride movement and help elevate and celebrate our province’s diversity.”
Minister Laura Ross and Co-Chair of Queen City Pride Lisa Phillipson
Mayor Sandra Masters helped raise the flag a City Hall and said it’s essential for the city to support the 2SLGTBQIA+ community visibly.
“These are incredibly valued members of our community; everyone deserves to feel included and safe. If it’s a week or a month long-every year, that helps to inspire us to keep persevering to fight discrimination to fight for equality and equity, and then we are happy to do it.”
“I am a mother and a grandmother, and I want my children and my grandchildren to feel that they can be their true selves. From a personal perspective, it’s important to support, advocate and celebrate,” she continued. “From the Mayor’s office, they enrich our community, gender and sexually diverse community makes us better.”
Queen City Pride will celebrate Pride with numerous events, including a Queer Local Market in partnership with the Regina Farmers’ Market on June 3rd, the annual Queen City Pride Parade, and OUT in the Park after the parade on June 10th, plus much more.
More events and information can be found on Queen City Prides’ website or Facebook page.
