Regina’s queer community kicks off pride month

Jim Foley, board member of Queen City Pride, stands near the site of a rainbow flag mural.

Volunteers of Queen City Pride have painted a rainbow flag at a crosswalk in Regina to kick-off pride month.

Located at Cameron St. and 13th Avenue, the group said it chose the Cathedral area due to the safe and welcoming environment the neighbourhood provides.

“Based on the options we had [from the city], we chose Cathedral by Dessart Sweets Ice Cream & Candy Store because everybody knows Dessart,” said Shannon Mahin, treasurer of Queen City Pride.

“The Cathedral area is very eccentric and very queer friendly. We just thought it would be a perfect place to do it.”

With the project being sponsored by Brown Communications, Mahin said it is encouraging to see businesses and people advocate for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

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“If you go into a neighborhood and you see a lot of flags and hearts, you know that whole vibe of safety and love,” she said.

“We don’t care who you are, we don’t care how you represent [yourself]. Are you a good person? Okay, great. That’s what should matter to people.”

Proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan, the month-long celebration aims to advocate equal rights for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Mahin shared how people can do their part into building an inclusive community for all.

“Just having conversations, having the uncomfortable conversation sometimes and really standing up,” she said.

“If somebody is being homophobic absolutely call them on it. Especially in this day and age, nobody should have to hide who they are.”

Various events are planned for the month, including the 10-day Queen City Pride Festival, to celebrate Regina’s Gender and Sexually Diverse (GSD) communities.

More information can be found on the group’s website.