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  • Pride Season 2025

    Image of progress pride flag flying with a blue sky and cloud in the background.


    Note: The terminology in this article may be new to some folks. If you’d like to deepen your understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology and communities, visit the CK Pride website. CK Pride offers opportunities for celebrating, advocating, offering support, mentoring, and educating to improve the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Chatham-Kent throughout the year, not just during Pride Season!


    June kicks off Pride Season, when we celebrate the diverse Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and additional identities (2SLGBTQIA+) communities in Chatham-Kent!


    The History of Pride Celebrations

    Many people are unaware that pride celebrations started as protests. In the U.S.A., in June 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in Greenwich Village, New York. The raid led to six days of riots and protests by residents, staff, and bar patrons, many of whom were racialized trans people. The riots, now known as the ‘Stonewall riots’ were a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States, and around the World. People often associate June with Pride month, which has roots in the Stonewall riots.

    But, in Canada, the first large-scale protest for what we now call 2SLGBTQIA+ rights took place in August 1971.The 'We Demand Rally' was held at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, with a smaller rally in Vancouver. Demonstrators presented Parliament with a list of 10 demands to change laws discriminating against 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Two years, later, in August 1973, Pride Week events were held in several major cities across Canada. These included rallies for 2SLGTBQIA+ rights. This is why some communities in Canada (including Chatham--Kent) honour Pride in August instead of June.

    Of course, throughout time and history there has been celebration of, and resistance among, what we now call 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities. Learn more from the Canadian Museum of History.


    Learn about Pride flags from the government of Canada.


    How is Pride celebrated today?

    There is a growing movement to use the term Pride season in recognition of the diverse history of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movements, and the various times and ways Pride is celebrated. Now, Pride gatherings are used to honour the work that has been done and to raise awareness about the work still needed to achieve respect, dignity, safety, and rights for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people. It is also a time when people who may at other times feel unsafe or marginalized because of their identities have a short window of time and place to honour their authentic selves. Events include parades, rallies, workshops, concerts as well as memorials and commemorations for community members, family, and friends who lost someone due to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS.


    How is Pride Honoured in Chatham-Kent?

    In Chatham-Kent, Pride is celebrated in August, with a week of events organized by CK Pride.

    Learn about local Pride events on the CK Pride website. Learn about CK Pride's history on the CK Pride website.

    Events are open to 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and aspiring allies - anyone who supports 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights.


    How Can I Demonstrate Allyship to 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities?

    You can support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities all-year, not just during Pride Season! We all want to feel welcomed and supported. Some ideas include:

    • Learn about the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and histories, for example, through websites, books, podcasts, films, or attending local events
    • Reflect on assumptions or biases you or others around you may have and challenge yourself to be more open
    • Use inclusive language - avoid gendered language (i.e. partner instead of assuming boyfriend of girlfriend)
    • Use appropriate pronouns and avoid assumptions about how people identify
    • Respectfully intervene to offer a different opinion when you hear homophobic or transphobic comments
    • Accompany friends or family members to a Pride event to show your support and celebrate the community
    • Display rainbow or other 2SLGBTQIA+ flags or symbols in your home, office, or car
    • Listen and be empathetic to 2SLGBTQIA+ community member's experiences if they share
    • Support charities that support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

    None of us are perfect, be gentle with yourself along the way, and keep learning and trying!


    To folks celebrating - we celebrate you throughout the year, but especially during Pride Season!