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Pride flag raising in Severn 'a symbol of hope' (6 photos)

'It's just a sign that the whole community stands behind everybody having the same rights,' says Washago businessperson of inaugural pride flag raising in Severn

A second flag now proudly flies alongside the familiar Canadian flag at the Washago Community Centre.

With the raising of the pride flag Sunday, Severn Township has now joined the rest of Simcoe County in standing alongside the LGBTQ2 communities across the region.

“It sends a huge message that we're here, we're supportive and we're an inclusive community,” said Severn Township Councillor Sarah Valiquette-Thompson. “We're all here together and we're all going to support you guys.”

The ward 5 councillor said she got the ball rolling on, first, getting a new flag pole at the community centre, and then arranging for the pride flag to go up - all within the course of a few weeks.

It all started after a conversation with her Washago neighbour business owner, Phil Hooper.

“It's just that I think everybody should be represented and treated as equals,” said the owner of Hooper’s. “We're all people, whatever your beliefs are or whatever you identify as. It's just a sign that the whole community stands behind everybody having the same rights.”

Valiquette-Thompson was surprised that around 50 people showed up for the brief ceremony, even though only a couple days notice had been given.

“We got all love here in Washago,” she said. “That's what it's all about: love and kindness.”

Rose LeBlance has felt that love — mostly.

“There's always going to be the person that doesn't want to learn,” said the Washago resident who identifies as a trans female. “They're going to look at this as a negative thing, but there's a lost of positivity from people who may have rejected this in the past.”

Liz Schamehorn believes this is the right step towards making sure everyone recognizes the importance of inclusivity.

“It takes time and keeping on doing things like this and giving people the ability to do what they want,” said the Washago resident. “They're normal people; we are all just people.”

Schamehorn said she and her husband have a lot of friends that are gay and identify with the LGBTQ2 community, and that’s why they came to Sunday afternoon's flag raising.

“It's time we all got together instead of separating ourselves in small groups and fighting with each other,” she said.

While this flag represents being in support of the LGBTQ2 community, there still may be some people who are unwilling to learn and change their stubborn beliefs, said Schamehorn.

“The thing we can all do is if you hear of a negative situation or comment, don’t just let it go by, say something,” she said. “Some people have some really, really deeply ingrained beliefs that they’re stubbornly holding on to. So we should try and be polite, but say something.”

The inaugural pride flag raising in Severn is a special day for the community, said Brandon Rhéal Amyot, president of Fiérte Simcoe Pride.

“Pride is often thought of as something that happens in just the big cities, so having it in this community of just a few thousands, shows that LGBTQ2 people exist everywhere,” said the local resident. 

“We're visible and proud within our communities and we're gonna (keep) pushing to celebrate, to advocate and to come together," he added.

“The flag isn't going to end discrimination or end barriers, but it signifies that the township and community is here supporting and is here to listen and learn,” said Amyot.

“It can be a real symbol of hope to a lot of people, especially if you're someone who's just coming out of the closet or questioning your identity, you'd see that flag and you'd know that I have some people here I can go to.”


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Mehreen Shahid

About the Author: Mehreen Shahid

Mehreen Shahid covers municipal issues in Cambridge
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