Shelburne raises rainbow flag, kicking off Pride month

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Shelburne showed its support for the local LGBTQ+ community members with a recognition of Pride Month. 

Councillors, committee members, leaders and residents gathered at Jack Downing Park last Thursday (June 1) to celebrate the start of Pride Month with local LGBTQ+ community members with the official raising of the Pride flag. 

“We were pleased to once again raise the flag in recognition of Pride Month. This year, council also supported the installation of a painted crosswalk to symbolize our support for equality and inclusion of LGBTQ+ members of our community. While these initiatives are largely symbolic, they are important to demonstrate that Shelburne is a welcoming place to all,” said Shelburne Mayor Wade Mills. 

“I understand that some people may not be supportive of these sorts of initiatives and I accept that. I do hope however that these symbols of support can lead to productive dialogue and education so that everyone can gain a more fulsome appreciation of the struggles that some member of our community still face,” he added. 

The Town Shelburne first raised the pride flag in recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in 2019. 

During the flag-raising ceremony on June 1, the town also officially unveiled its new Pride Crosswalk, located at the intersection of Victoria St. and Main St.

Shelburne Town Council approved the rainbow-coloured crosswalk during their May 29 meeting, and it is part of a new crosswalk painting program. The program's goal is to have 10 painted crosswalks in various locations in Shelburne that will facilitate an educational walking tour that celebrates not only the community's diversity but also its arts, culture, and heritage. 

“The Town of Shelburne is one the fastest growing towns and I think gestures like this are just really a way to show that everyone belongs in Shelburne and that as we develop, everyone will be included going forward,” said Ryan Degan, a member of Shelburne's DEI Committee. 

Ethan Praxis, a member of Shelburne's small LGBTQ+ community who was at the Pride flag raising, spoke with the Free Press about the town's symbolic support. 

“I'm sure a lot of people are aware of how bad things are becoming once again for those of us in the queer community, and to see the crosswalk is very encouraging,” said Praxis. “It reminds me that there are people in this town that do care. Allyship around here isn't perfect, it's not consistent, but this is a good step and a symbol that we can keep working together.” 

The Pride flag was raised at a number of locations across Dufferin County on June 1, including the Amaranth Township building, Orangeville Town Hall, the Dufferin County building, the Museum of Dufferin, and the Dufferin OPP detachments in Orangeville and Primrose.