PRIDE in Kincardine

(L) Parade organizer Fort Papalia, Olympic athlete Kendra Fisher and CUPE President Fred Hahn

The 2nd Annual Kincardine PRIDE parade was bigger than ever this year as people marched in their rainbow colours in solidarity with the LGBTQ community and people lined the street.

Kincardine Mayor Anne Eadie and Saugeen Ojibway Nation Chief Lester Anoquot lead the parade

Chief Anoquot later said that Saugeen First Nation will raise the PRIDE flag for the first time next week and he also presented a donation to the organizing committee.

Organizing Committee Chair, Fort Papalia read a letter from Ontario’s Lt. Governor, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell

In her letter to the Committee, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lt. Governor of Ontario, said that “As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a free and open society.  In Ontario, our laws promoted equal rights and opportunities and recognize the worth and dignity of all people.  As a society, we have agreed that discrimination and harassment are unacceptable and that sexual diversity and gender identity are fundamental human rights worthy of respect.  Inequality and oppression still exist and that is why PRIDE parades are so important to foster understanding and provide opportunities for LGBTQ people and their allies to be visible in their communities.”