Newly formed Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat & District is hosting a couple of events during Pride Month with members of the public more than welcome to join. A Pride flag flies at city hall between the flags of Medicine Hat and Canada in this September 2020 file photo.--FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat & District has big plans for June to coincide with worldwide celebrations of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies.
Later this month, the guild is planning to host a pair of speakers on various topics for Pride Month, both members of the guild with a deep passion for Pride and the various joys and struggles associated with it.
“I am going to speak about ‘Our Rainbow Roots’ as a history of Pride in Medicine Hat, and Kim Large is speaking about the crucial importance of diversity and inclusion as a parent of a transgender child,” said Jenni Barrientos, president of the Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat & District. “We are really looking forward to our events during Pride month, as this is an important way to foster an inclusive, educated, supportive and unified community in Medicine Hat.”
Barrientos continued that there can be an air of negativity and doom and gloom that surrounds Pride Month due to an increase in hurtful comments made during the period of higher visibility, which prompts an even stronger desire to create safe spaces from the guild.
“Our event is a safe place where we can come together to commemorate history, raise awareness, advocate for rights and build community, and most importantly, have fun together,” said Barrientos. “Yes, Pride started with a riot, and we honour that history. We can also find joy together in the here and now. We reflect on where we came from, how far we have come, and look forward to the future.”
The speakers will be hosted at the Medicine Hat Public Library from 6-8 p.m. on June 20. The event has free admission, and is open to anyone interested in hearing about the topics and helping to foster an “inclusive, educated, supportive and unified community in Medicine Hat.”
Later on in the month, the Prairie Pride Guild will also be hosting its own Pride celebration, which organizers have titled “Pride for Everyone.”
“For 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who may feel isolated or marginalized, Pride events like ours offer an important support network,” said Barrientos. “We provide a safe space where people can express themselves freely, connect with others who share similar experiences, and find a sense of belonging.”
Making sure that there is a Pride event during Pride Month sends a strong message that Medicine Hat is a place where diversity is celebrated, and where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are valued and respected, said Barrientos.
The event is also supported by the City of Medicine Hat Community MicroGrants program.
“This truly is an event for everyone. We are happy to showcase Medicine Hat as a progressive and forward-thinking community – we have had wonderful support from our community partners, even though we are still a fairly new group here at the Prairie Pride Guild. Community agencies and members will be in attendance with booths and giveaways, and we will be providing free food, crafts and fun during our event,” said Barrientos.
Pride for Everyone is a come-and-go event, and the guild encourages people to stop in, say hello and share a moment.
“You can stay for as much or as little as you would like,” said Barrientos.
Pride for Everyone will take place June 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kinette Picnic Shelter at Kin Coulee Park.
