Sudbury launches Pride Week with flag raising, mural painting

It is Pride Week in Greater Sudbury.

Organizers say the annual event is all about celebrating queer joy while at the same time recognizing the challenges like the hate the queer community experiences.

The Progress Pride Flag was raised at city hall on Monday morning to signify the start of the week while a large one was painted on Minto Street just outside Tom Davies Square.

“Our ability to overcome constant hurdles as a community needs to be celebrated,” said Izzy McFadden, the activism lead and secretary for Firete Sudbury Pride.

“I think that’s what we are trying to celebrate and that is what we are trying to get the community to see, that there is a rise in hate towards us. It’s the same rhetoric that has been going on for centuries and it’s not going away – but, neither are we.”

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre also read a proclamation declaring July 8 to 14 Pride Week in the city and told those gather that it is important that members of the queer community feel welcome and safe in our community.

“Make sure that they feel welcome and supported and safe and now more than ever,” he said.

“I think that message from the mayor and from council and from all levels of government has to be quite clear that we want an inclusive and diverse community and that’s what makes us stronger.”

There are a number of events planned throughout the week – the highlight being a community event call ‘Pride in the Park’ planned for Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park.

A full schedule of events can be found on Firete Sudbury Pride’s website.