Regina marked the beginning of Pride with a flag-raising ceremony at city hall where organizers and community members celebrated inclusion while also highlighting the continuing concerns about visibility and representation. The flag raising serves as a reminder that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are visible and supported. “I think it is so important for all of us to be out here for the flag raising and to be visible in the city, especially for those who are out and proud and want to celebrate who they are,” said Sister Fifi Mi’Buns of The Bread Basket Sisters. “But especially for those who are at home and scared right now because they ... don’t want to reveal who they are because they’re too scared to right now in this political climate.” Last month, the pride parade, along with other parades in the city will take different routes due to recent changes with safety and emergency access as the focus, which has generated discussions within the community. Buns acknowledged the safety concerns but felt there should have been more consultation before altering the route. “The biggest problem was the lack of consultation,” they said. “It’s not that we can’t change the route, especially for safety reasons. I totally understand that. But I think you need to consult with the community before changing things in that community.” Buns added Pride events should be treated as a community priority especially given the current political climate. “I wish that we were shown as more of a priority,” they said. Because when we are not shown as a priority, then we need to be louder, we need to be prouder, and we need to be out there.” Pride celebrations continue throughout Regina this month with a variety of events planned. A full list can be found on the Queen City Pride website.
