Traci Flewelling, along with four other members of Diversity Cornwall, previously known as Pride Cornwall, are hoping to promote unity and respect to the Cornwall community. — photo Francis Racine
FRANCIS RACINE francis.racine@eap.on.ca Promoting Cornwall’s gay community used to fund the Come Back Dance. “Back in the day, Pride Cornwall used to organize the Pride GalaWeekend in September,” informed the woman. “They had concerts, dances, movies and, of course, a huge parade. With the Come Back Dance, we’re hoping to bring that back in Cornwall!” one of the organization’s goals. “Ever since the Orlandomassacre, a lot of us are scared to go out,” the woman stressed. “We want to tell all the homosexuals in Cornwall that it’s OK to participate in events. We won’t be stopped by fear.”
and pansexuals, to name a few. “We’re a group of five who want to bring back the gay community to what it once was,” said Flewelling. The organisation is spearheaded by five individuals: Stephanie Nadeau, Emmett Brazeau, Mic Bilodeau, Marcia McIntyre and Flewelling. The group is holding their first fundraiser on July 17 th . The event, a barbecue, will be hosted at the corner of St-Felix and Walton Street from 11 to 2 p.m. “We don’t have any set price,” added Flewelling. “People can donate what they want.” The funds raised during the event will be
The rainbow-colored pride flag stands proudly in Traci Flewelling’s partner’s front window, overlooking the busy Cumberland Street. “We want to bring the gay community of Cornwall together,” proudly explained Flewelling, a leading figure behind the Diversity Cornwall group. “We want to inform the residents of this city.” Formally known as Pride Cornwall, Diversity Cornwall is an organisation that promotes the rights of not only gays and lesbians, but also of transgendered, bisexuals
Diversity Cornwall is also aiming their message at families. “We want amore family voice,” claimed Flewelling. “We want to tell them that we’re here, that we’re coming back.” The group hopes that by New Year’s, several activities will already be in the works. “We really want to bring the parade back for 2017,” the womanmentioned, smiling. “That would be amazing!”
Unlike nearby cities, Cornwall has very few outlets catering to the homosexual community. “There’s no bar here for us,” expressed Flewelling. “I lived in Ottawa for 15 years and when I came back here, I noticed how different people act towards homosexuals. We’re scared to go to bars.” Educating the residents of the city is only
Le Journal, Cornwall
6
Le mercredi 6 juillet 2016
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