Battlefords Pride week celebrates identity, community support

“I came out for the first time in 2017, and I would be lying to you if I told you that it was an easy breeze, that it was fun the whole way through… because it wasn’t. It’s been hard, but I’m very grateful for the community I’ve found here, and all the friends I’ve made here who have helped me and guided me.”

She said events like the Pride parade demonstrate support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and reassure people they can be themselves.

(Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

“There’s still lots of places all over the world where there is hate towards our community. Even in our community still, there’s a lot of hate.”

Plummer pointed to a social media post shared earlier this month that she said expressed hateful views toward the community.

(Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

“We need to do parades like this to show that we’re visible no matter what, and that hate won’t diminish who we are.”

Before the parade began, Saskatchewan NDP MLAs Vicki Mowat and Darcy Warrington addressed participants, voicing opposition to Bill 137, the province’s Parents’ Bill of Rights.

“We know that now more than ever we need to continue to fight as we see continued hate and division, especially from conservatives across North America,” Mowat said.

(Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)

She said an NDP government would repeal Bill 137.

“For us, this is a no-brainer. Respecting human rights is absolutely fundamental to who we are as a province.”

Following the speeches, participants made their way through the streets of North Battleford, dancing, waving flags and singing before gathering for the day’s remaining Pride Week activities.

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