(Humboldt & Area Pride/Facebook)

By Rachel May

Pride Week

Humbolt and Area Pride Network is sharing the importance of pride in rural areas

Jun 15, 2023 | 8:00 AM

Pride week is coming up in Humboldt to celebrate those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in rural areas.

June is Pride Month across the globe and Humbolt is celebrating by hosting Pride Week from June 19 to 25.

Andrew Matheson Founder of Humboldt & Area Pride Network told northeastNOW that celebrating pride in the rural areas is extremely significant.

“It’s to allow folks to know that they deserve to belong, they’re allowed to belong in those areas. I think that’s the take-home message of advocacy and inclusion.”

Although there have been huge steps towards inclusion, there is still a way to go when it comes to achieving equality for all members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

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Matheson explained that community members are trying to come together for a common goal of pride in every community.

“Striving to have all communities hoist a pride flag. I think that it’s something that we’re pushing a little bit harder in rural Saskatchewan right now.”

Despite increasing support and more awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ struggles, some people continue to display prejudice.

When it comes to what pride is really about, Matheson said negative comments typically stem from misunderstanding.

“I feel as though it’s a lot of folks with poor information that think we’re here to just rainbow wash the world and put flags up everywhere and do all these gay things. That’s not our goal. Our goal is to just allow folks to feel included in their daily lives.”

For members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies, the Humboldt & Area Pride Network has a week packed with fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

Attendees can enjoy the flag-raising at City Hall on June 19 at noon.

Other events include a crosswalk painting, short film night, bowling, two drag shows, a potluck, gardening and a pride button event.

Although Pride Week runs all week, there are no events happening on June 21 to honour National Indigenous Peoples Day.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM