Once again, all of the communities in Muskoka have raised the Rainbow Pride flag in celebration of Muskoka Pride Week, which runs July 18 – 27.
The Townships of Muskoka Lakes, Georgian Bay, and Lake of Bays, Wahta First Nation, and the towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst all raised the flag again this year.
Mayors and members of Council extended their best wishes for a successful and celebratory week of Pride events.
This was the inaugural year that the District of Muskoka hosted a flag raising (in photo).
District Chair Jeff Lehman spoke of the importance the District’s “commitment to making sure that Muskoka is a welcoming place for all, and for the community to have the opportunity to celebrate and express themselves and gather.”
For Steph Taylor, President of Muskoka Pride, the flag raisings are a symbol of acceptance of the 2SLGBTQ+ population of Muskoka. “It says to the people in Muskoka that our community is diverse and inclusive, an important message for residents and visitors.”
They stressed the need for the flag raising’s visibility within Muskoka. “It’s important for all people to see it and know that they’re welcome in their own communities.”
“It is significant that all communities of Muskoka are recognizing the Muskoka Pride Week,” says board member Shawn Forth, “because there are 2SLGBTQ+ residents all over Muskoka, who want to feel supported by their town.”
Having grown up in Muskoka, he understands the feeling of isolation that comes with thinking you are alone. “Visibility is important for the 2SLGBTQ+ community so that you don’t feel isolated. 2SLGBTQ+ Pride is not just about tolerance and acceptance – it’s about celebrating the rich diversity in our community.”
This year’s Pride Week theme is “Reclaim, Resist, Rejoice!”
“The theme carries profound meaning for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” Forth explains. “Reclaim invites us to lift up the contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ people in Muskoka – our stories, our spaces, and our presence. Resist calls on each on one of us – especially our allies – to stand firm against oppression and to fight for queer rights in society. Rejoice is a powerful act of self-affirmation, to celebrate our resilience, our connection, and the beautiful diversity that thrives here in Muskoka.”
Forth further explains that the past several years (and the past year in particular) have seen a significant rise in homophobia and transphobia across North America, and even right here in Muskoka. “We have seen a significant increase in online hate speech on social media posts. There have been many incidents of homophobic graffiti in Muskoka, and protests held regarding 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in schools. Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever,” he explains.
Everyone, no matter how you identify, is welcome to attend all Muskoka Pride events.
Muskoka Pride receives funding from the Government of Canada through the Local Festivals – Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage grant.
We would like to thank our Silver Sponsors: The Town of Bracebridge through the Event Tourism grant, TD Ready Commitment, McMaster’s Fine Foods of Muskoka, and the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association. We would also like to acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors: Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer and Lake of Bays Brewery.
To see a full schedule of events go to www.muskokapride.com or click “Events” on the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.