Medicine Hat youth collect candy from a Pride Guild string piñata at the Kinette Picnic Shelter on June 29.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat and District invited residents down into Kin Coulee for a day of community before Pride Month came to a close with the “Pride for Everyone” event on Saturday.
The day featured free hot dogs, the chance to tie-dye a bandana or any item that attendees brought for the purpose, as well as multiple sessions of yoga.
The most important aspect however, said guild president Jenni Barrientos, was just seeing people come out to meet, interact and show solidarity for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, be that themselves or people in their lives.
“It’s been great today, we’re grateful for a really great turnout,” said Barrientos at the event. She estimated roughly 250 people attended over the course of the event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “We really weren’t sure what to expect this morning, but we’re just thrilled with how things have turned out.”
“We’ve had donations from people. We’ve had great connections with people. So yeah, that was surprising to us. But I guess it really shows that Medicine Hat is a really positive place,” said Barrientos.
Tables from various community services and associations were present, including the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter and the Sanare Centre, available to talk about what they can offer to residents and to show support.
With this event a success, the guild looks to future projects, including being part of the Medicine Hat College’s pride celebration in September, as well as a repeat of Pride for Everyone next June.
“We loved the space, and we had a lot of fun. And I think that it was something that we could do again next year for sure,” said Barrientos.
