Lake Country Pride held its first major event in downtown Orillia on Saturday.
Organizers estimated more than 100 people attended the rally and march that began in the Orillia Public Library courtyard and made its way down Mississaga Street West.
Lake Country Pride was formed in response to the backlash the library received for hosting a drag queen story time event one year ago.
“I had been feeling for a while that we needed to have more Pride visibility in Orillia,” said Lake Country Pride board member Celeste Lalumière. “So, I made our Instagram page, and people saw it and started messaging us. We then started meeting with our five board members regularly in October.”
The goal of Lake Country Pride is to host inclusive events, such as its monthly book club.
“We want to be a central hub for queer events in Orillia and the surrounding area,” Lalumière said. “We want to increase awareness and Pride presence in Orillia.”
She says she is disappointed with the lack of Pride events in Orillia this year, which is why Lake Country Pride took the initiative to host the event Saturday. When the organization reached out to the community to help cover the $2,000 cost of the parade permit, it met its fundraising goal in four hours.
“We had local businesses donate and a lot of great community members,” Lalumière said. “It was an incredible show of support and really demonstrated that this is something people need and want.”
Lalumière hopes the city will see the success of Saturday’s event and help Lake Country Pride put on an even bigger one in 2024.
“Pride is showing people that it’s OK to be different. It shows that we are a diverse population and are all accepted as our authentic self,” board member Kristie Brassard said, adding celebrating marginalized populations brings opportunities for education and accepting differences.
“It shows that we aren’t alone,” said board member Max McKenzie. “Seeing people coming here today to show support makes us feel like we are a part of a bigger community and that we are safe.”
Lalumière says the community coming together to support Lake Country Pride can benefit the mental health of residents who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“A lot of people are afraid of potential backlash or conflict,” she said. “We need to be louder and prouder and show that love is greater than fear.”
More information about Lake Country Pride, and a list of upcoming events, can be found here.
