The town of Sylvan Lake proclaimed Aug. 6 to 12 as Pride Week in the community during the council meeting on July 10.
This is the fourth year the Town has proclaimed a Pride Week in the community and for past years it has been well received, Mayor Megan Hanson said.
“Last year, a similar proclamation was well received. Although I have not received feedback as of today’s date related to this year’s proclamation, I trust our residents will be supportive of the proclamation as we are known for our inclusive, welcoming, community.”
The proclamation also helps to create and support opportunities for conversations and understanding about the LGBTQ2S+ communities to occur, Hanson added.
“By officially recognizing and celebrating Pride Week, the town demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The proclamation sends a clear message that Sylvan Lake stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ2S+ community and that discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated within the town.”
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The request for council to make the proclamation came from the Central Alberta Pride Society.
For the Central Alberta Pride community having Pride Week proclaimed by the Town shows that there is support for the LGBTQ2S+ community within the area.
“Having the proclamation shows that the municipalities support us and the LGBTQ2S+ communities,” said Lenny Gallant, president of the Central Alberta Pride Society.
As well the week of Aug. 6 to 12 being Pride Week is not just specific to Sylvan Lake but is for all of Central Alberta, Gallant added.
“It is Central Alberta Pride Week and the municipalities that get on board show their support and proclaim the same time in each municipality as Pride Week. Then during the week, events are done in different communities around Central Alberta.”
The pride society will also host a movie in the park event, in conjunction with the Sylvan Lake Impact Coalition.
More details about events being done and further information in regards to Pride Week will be announced on the Central Alberta Pride Society’s social media and website.
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