Pride events look to create awareness of acceptance and change

Education, Equality and Unity.

That’s the theme for North Bay’s first Pride March taking place later this month.

For the first time ever, the Pride Flag will be raised and flown at City Hall on July 21st at 4:30 pm.

The next day there will be a Pride March from City Hall to the waterfront.

Pride Committee Spokesperson Jason Maclennan points out a march is a demand for change.

“The committee felt that it’s not a time for a parade, a parade is a celebration, there’s just so much going on in the LGBTQ2+ community that the committee felt a march was more appropriate,” Maclennan says.

There is also a need to raise awareness about acceptance and change.

“There’s many employers that do a good job, but there’s some that still struggle, there’s some Trans persons that go through various things like sexual harrassment and stuff like that, as well as the gay community, is suffering in those areas, as well,” Maclennan says.

The waterfront is also where a Unity for Pride picnic will take place from noon to 4pm on July 22nd, with everyone invited.

The events have been planned by the newly formed North Bay Pride Committee and North Bay and District Labour Council.