Pride Week was proclaimed for May 12-20 by Yorkton Council at its regular meeting on Monday, Apr. 23.
“As Good Spirit School Division (GSSD) is poised to host their first ever GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) mini summit at the Yorkton Regional High School on May 12, it is imperative that we publicly acknowledge and support the gender diverse in our community to show that we see them and respect them,” Margo Allaire told Council in making the request.
“Studies have shown a community that is inclusive and respects those that are gender and sexually diverse have reduced incidence of self-harm, suicide ideation and attempts. Both in the gender diverse population as well as in the heterosexual and cisgender population.”
Allaire said the recognition the week will provide is timely.
“With some current letters to the editor and local parents showing that they are unable to be respectful to the rainbow community due to their lack of understanding, it is extremely important that we welcome them to have conversations and discussion as to the diverse make up of genders and sexualities of humanity so that their fears may be addressed and understanding is the result,” she said.
“By being open and visible, it is our hope that we can shed some light in the darkness and create a more welcoming inclusive community.”
Allaire said the week is inclusive, but offered a special invitation to those directly impacted.
“We invite all in our midst to join the events and celebrate. Though a special invitation goes out to all those that are Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Intersex, Two Spirit, Gender Fluid or Gender Queer, we hope that all will join us, it is often the voice of the ally that is heard first when respect and inclusion is the goal,” she said.
