News release

For immediate release

Mayor Haynes to proclaim June 28 to July 4 Saanich Pride Week

Saanich, BC – Saanich Community Services wishes everyone a Happy Pride Week! While current COVID-19 restrictions continue to limit outdoor gatherings to fewer than fifty, there are no restrictions on the celebration of the rich diversity of people in the community!

Join virtually at 10 a.m. June 28 at Facebook.com/Saanich.BC as Mayor Fred Haynes raises the Progress Pride Flag at Municipal Hall and proclaims June 28 to July 4 as Saanich Pride Week. The Progress Pride Flag combines pride colours with a chevron of brown, black, blue, pink and white to be inclusive of BIPOC and Transgendered people within the LGBTQ2+ community.

Mayor Haynes will be joined by two community partners, Victoria Pride Society (VPS) and the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA). Together they will recognize that while many advances have been made for LGBTQ2+ rights, not all people experience safety in their communities. Hate crimes such as the Pulse Massacre in Florida and countless acts of violence against the transgender community this year alone are a reminder that equality and safety is not a reality for everyone.

“Saanich Council and staff are committed to embracing diversity to enrich the lives of all people,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “We strive to create an equitable and inclusive community that addresses discrimination in all forms. June is a month to reflect and recognize that over seventy countries around the world still uphold homophobic and transphobic laws.”

Saanich Community Services hosts programs for youth that welcome folks of all genders, sexualities, bodies, ancestries, cultures and abilities. Youth can visit us at one of Saanich four recreation community centres.

More information on these programs is available at saanich.ca under youth centres.

Saanich’s partners, VPS and ICA, provide many resources to LGBTQ2+ people who are looking for ways to build safe connections. The ICA’s Q+ Crew provides information, support and tools to help immigrants and refugees reach their goals. Mental health, culture, sexuality and gender can be a lot to handle, especially in a new country. That’s why ICA has launched the Q+ Crew support group for LGBTQ2S+ immigrants, refugees and BIPOC youth (18-30 years old).

The well-known advocacy group, Victoria Pride Society, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing year round LGBTQ2+ events and services. They believe that Pride belongs to the community, and because 2021 will be another virtual Pride Week Parade and Festival, they have ways for you to get involved online.  

VPS PRIDE 2021 EVENTS

YOUTH PRIDE KICK-OFF PARTY

June 28

Kick off the Victoria Pride Week Festival with a night of inspirational speakers and dazzling performances in an online event hosted by the Victoria Pride Society Youth Leadership Council. While geared for those 15 to 24 years old, the party is open to all ages and will also include opportunities to play online interactive games.

QUEER ACTIVISM NIGHT

June 30

Hosted by the Victoria Pride Youth Leadership Council, Queer Activism Night will bring together local speakers, activists and artists to present on and discuss the history of queer activism and current community issues.

VIRTUAL BIG GAY DOG WALK

July 2 (Online Video)

Our annual Big Gay Dog Walk is going virtual! This year, ALL furry, fluffy, feathered and other feisty friends are eligible for the traditional Pride costume and trick contests! We want to see your pet showing their PRIDE by either showing off their coolest trick or by dressing to impress!

PRIDE IN THE WORD

July 3

Pride in the Word is one of Canada’s largest Pride festival literary events. Each year it showcases some of the proudest and most talented writers from Victoria and across the country, and is always a great time

#YYJ PRIDE PARADE ONLINE

July 4 (Online Video)

This year, you won’t just watch a parade: you ARE the parade! Victoria Pride has created a montage of rainbow delights featuring all the homes, offices, store fronts, cars, bikes and everything else that you decorated for June “Pride Up”!

Find more information on these events at victoriapridesociety.org/pride-2021

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Media contact:
Cristina Caravaca
Senior Manager of Community Services
cristina.caravaca@saanich.ca
250-475-5409