KAWARTHA LAKES-60 year old Heather Bradley is gay and proud of it. Bradley was on hand for the kick off of Kawartha lakes Pride Week in Lindsay Monday morning. “Im one of the ones that knew about secret code passwords to get into steady bars in industrial areas, boy times have changed, for the better” she says.
Pride Week began with Mayor Letham raising a Pride Flag in front of the public library in Lindsay.
This is the third year for pride events in the City but the first time the pride flag has been raised and the first full week of activities. Carrie Pearson, one of the organizers of Pride Week, says it’s important for the entire community. “I think it’s showing Kawartha Lakes is a progressive and welcoming community where everyone should feel welcome” She says the event has gotten bigger every year and the Pride Picnic is a perfect example. ” Its an exciting event where you get to see how big the support is within the community.” The Picnic is July 15th starting at 11 am. “It’s become more of a community engagement”
Mike Perry, President of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce says Pride Week is good for all citizens. “It shows our community spirit it shows we really care about each other in Kawartha Lakes and it show how welcoming a community we are.”
Mayor Letham raised the flag and Councillor Heather Stauble was also at the kick-off but the remainder of the Councillors were not in attendance. Bradley says she’s concerned with their absence. “This is a city event, where are the councillors? she told Kawartha 411. And she questioned their motives. “It’s either a lack of concern or homophobia is not dead yet. It makes me sad.” she says.
The Chamber of Commerce is taking part in a Diversity Campaign over the next year. “What we decided to do as a chamber working int praetorship with Canadian Council for Diversity Inclusion to provide an expert who comes to the city and provides 6 workshops about inclusivity.” comments Perry.
Three workshops have already been held with another three coming up in the fall. Perry says “We started it to make sure not only that our community was welcoming but that it was seen as welcoming to others”
Businesses that go through the program get a sticker to put in their store window and a certificate from the Chamber. The Chamber will also be using this initiative to draw in tourists. “We are going to promote it in places like Hamilton, Toronto, London and Montreal so that people there know that we are taking that extra step in demonstrating that everyone is welcome in Kawartha Lakes and that they come and visit us and stay here and enjoy our shops and restaurants.”
