OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter from Rev. Jim Thompson is in response to Pride flag at Orillia school doing 'more harm than good'
Since this is Pride Month I think it is most appropriate to be flying the universally recognized Pride flag at the Orillia Secondary School. However, I also understand the sadness felt by the disappearance of the Canadian flag. But this dilemma can be easily resolved by raising both flags (The Canadian flag on top with the Pride flag immediately below it).
The Pride flag displaying the six rainbow colours as well as the chevron with five colours is tremendously meaningful. This new Pride flag places a greater emphasis on inclusion, since it includes stripes to represent the experiences of people of colour as well as stripes to represent people who cover the entire spectrum of gender identity. Considering the evolving nature of the LGBTQ+ community and society at large, this flag symbolizes the incredible diversity of our community.
Therefore, I stand in solidarity with the decision to fly the Pride flag, because it sends a clear message to all who see it, by saying that:
- All are welcome here.
- All are valued, respected and accepted for being who they are.
- All are celebrated for their many and diverse talents, gifts and abilities.
- And each and every person is treasured for the uniqueness that is theirs.
So, it is my hope that the Orillia Secondary School will continue to fly the Pride flag with dignity and confidence, knowing that no one is devalued, underrated, or excluded because of their race, colour, religion or sexual orientation.
Rev. Jim Thompson
Orillia
