June proclaimed Gay Pride Celebration Month in Sioux Lookout

Tim Brody - Editor

June has been officially proclaimed Gay Pride Celebration Month in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout. Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance made the proclamation on June 1 at the Municipal Office, where the progress pride flag was raised for the month.
Members of the community, including members of the Sioux Lookout OPP detachment, were in attendance to show their support.
Cupcakes were served following the proclamation and flag raising, along with cookies decorated by youth members of Sioux Lookout’s Gay Straight Alliance.
Lawrance shared in his proclamation that, “Sioux Lookout has a long and proud tradition of embracing diversity in all its forms”, adding, “the community of Sioux Lookout is immeasurably enriched by the diversity of our people, including those members of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer + (2SLGBTQ+) 
communities.”
“Acknowledging and participating in Pride underscores and affirms our respect for the dignity, equality, and visibility of 2SLGBTQ+ people and families,” he said, encouraging all residents regardless of sexual orientation, “to celebrate together in recognition of the rainbow of diversity with which our 2SLGBTQ+ community contributes to Sioux Lookout.”
Lawrance shared that a rainbow coloured bench was installed outside of the Municipal Office last week. A second rainbow coloured bench has been ordered and will be placed at Farlinger Park (town beach).
Lawrance shared that the flag raising and proclamation, as well as the purchase of the benches, are ways the Municipality wishes to showcase Sioux Lookout is a welcoming and inclusive community.
Police shared on the Ontario Provincial Police – North West Region Facebook page, “Pride Month is a time to celebrate and recognize 2SLGBTQI+ individuals and communities. The #SLKTOPP supports equity, diversity, inclusion and acceptance within our detachment and the communities we serve.”