Pride is over, now what? by Karen Vecchio Throughout Pride Season, Canadians and the 2SLGBTQI+ communities come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Pride events are a time for celebration and provide a forum to highlight challenges and barriers faced by members of the community, including
by Frank Emanuele Co-Director Strathroy Pride
Strathroy Pride in the Park 2022 Strathroy’s Pride in the Park celebration was the culmination of 3 years in the making! The committee began planning for this event in December of 2019 but all our hopes and dreams came to a screeching halt with the global pandemic. We were thrilled to see our dreams finally come to rainbow magnificence this past July at Alexandra Park in Strathroy. The beautiful weather graced the community as they enjoyed live entertainment, over 25 local vendors, Drag storytime, and crafts and activities for the whole family. We were in awe with the community engagement – it was wonderful to see members of all ages enjoying their Pride.
underemployment, violence, and homelessness. Working with the 2SLGBTQI+ communities, I recognize the growing challenges of accessing specific mental health services. Across Canada one in two girls and one in four boys have indicated mental health struggles following the COVID-19 pandemic. Following review of multiple studies and outreach, we know these statistics are even higher in 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Mental Health awareness is key, and all Canadians must work together to reduce the stigma. Currently in the Standing Committee for Status of Women, my colleagues and I are studying Mental Health for Women and Girls in Canada. As a committee, we are ensuring that this study is being completed with an intersectional lens, by inviting witnesses from across Canada to testify in front of the committee. This study has also provided us a clear picture of the lack of services available to Canadians, more specifically, to diverse groups, such as 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Welcoming the conversation, learning the facts, and providing the opportunity to have an open conversation with the 2SLGBTQI+ communities is vital for a constructive process. As a Member of Parliament, I have spoken to several 2SLGBTQI+ groups from across Canada and focused my work on being an ally to the community. I have worked with members of the Canadian Armed Forces who lost their jobs due to their orientation and parents who are on this journey with their children as they are discovering their sexuality and are looking for resources. There is incredible work that is being spearheaded in Southwestern Ontario by local organizations and dedicated leadership. The importance of peer-to-peer support works and provides lifesaving support to members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities who are seeking a safe haven and may be feeling isolated. This year Elgin County had its first Pride Festival. The event included Indigenous drummers, performances, readings, and several community groups offering a variety of services to the 2SLGBTQI+ communities. In short, it was a place where people felt welcomed, visible, and listened to. I will continue to work for a more diverse, inclusive, and equal country for all Canadians.
This year was an historic year for Strathroy Pride with the installation of the Rainbow Crosswalk on Frank Street. Local businesses and community members came together to contribute to the cost and the result was a colourful masterpiece. Strathroy Pride participated and ran a variety of other events this year including: Rainbow Flag raising at Town hall and at Strathroy Hospital, Family Pride Skate day, Drag Bingo, Pride mug painting, 80’s Karaoke night, Pride Glow Hike, the SDCI Rainbow Alliance Movie fundraiser, and several other Drag Shows in town. We are humbled and blessed to be part of such a wonderful community and look forward to another exciting Strathroy Pride season in 2023!
PRIDE Villager
Page 15 Issue 9 • Fall 2022
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