June proclaimed as Pride Month in Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton officially proclaimed the month of June as Pride Month on Monday.

Pride month takes place every June around the world and is dedicated to uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.

Mayor Clayton says she’s happy to see just how much pride month has grown in the Swan City over the last half-decade, despite the recent COVID-19 restrictions that have slowed down momentum.

“It’s been a priority of council to be supportive of Pride Month,” said Mayor Clayton. “The addition of the benches this year has been great. We want to continue to grow that pride and support and hopefully next year we can go back to those pride events.”

“I think it’s important for us to recognize that everyone should feel safe in our community and everybody is supported. It’s been really important for this council as well as other councils.”

Pride Month has been celebrated in Grande Prairie for the last several years, previously it was known as Pride Week.

With time for a bigger celebration, Mayor Clayton hopes the month allows more time for people to get comfortable being a part of the LGPTQ+ community.

“Hopefully by having the Pride Month go from a week to a month, it allows more time for people to get comfortable with the fact that there are more people they can talk to and there is a safer environment. We are really excited to support this event for the entire month.”

Updates on any of the pride events taking place this month can be found at the Grande Prairie Pride Society Facebook page.