Battlefords Pride are working to remain visible in the community through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (submitted photo/Janae Brownley)

By Martin Martinson

Pride Month

Battlefords Pride staying visible amid ongoing pandemic

Jun 23, 2020 | 3:01 PM

June is pride month across the globe and in the Battlefords community, while the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the local pride organization are happy to offer something special to mark the occasion.

Battlefords Pride will have a table set up at Vendors Alley Saturday afternoon at the local theatre, where residents in the community can go to pick up their pride merchandise in celebration of the month.

The merchandise available includes hats, flags, wristbands and t-shirts, among other things.

Organizer with the event, Janae Brownley, said it’s all about making the most of the situation and celebrating together, even if physically apart.

“I think for us, it’s kind of essential to be out there and remind people we’re here,” Brownley said. “Gay people, lesbian people, straight people; we’re all the same and all have our partners and have our own ways of expressing love towards each other.”

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting safety restrictions on large group gatherings, the local pride organization has been unable to host their usual events in celebration of the occasion.

Last year Battlefords Pride hosted a drag show to celebrate Pride Month at Third Avenue United Church, along with a musical night in Battleford featuring live music. These and more events were held in conjunction with the annual parade.

Brownley said the goal last year was to host some sort of event in celebration of pride each day throughout the month, making it easy for those interested to take part. She said this year would have been the same, had it not been for the pandemic.

Brownley told battlefordsNOW, while nothing is set in stone yet, the group is hopeful they will be able to host a larger scale event again in the community by the time Pride Week rolls around in August.

“I think for us, once things get back a bit more to the norm, we could be having more events so we are out there over the course of the fall time or winter so people see us again,” Brownley said. “It’s always a great thing when the gay and straight community can mix together and get to know each other. It makes us feel more comfortable and I’m sure it goes the other way as well.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1