Cobourg hosts Pride flag raising Wednesday

By Cecilia Nasmith

On Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. the Town of Cobourg and the Cobourg Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee will host a flag-raising ceremony at Victoria Hall to kick off Pride Month.

Communities across the country celebrate Pride Month each June as a way of recognizing the influence 2SLGBTQ+ people have had around the world, as well as an opportunity raise awareness and continue to advocate for equity and representation for all.

Historically, the town has flown the Pride Flag at Victoria Hall as a symbol of support. With the formation of the EDI Committee in 2021, this will be the first time the Town of Cobourg has observed the occasion by hosting a formal flag-raising ceremony.

“On June 1, 2022, the Town of Cobourg joins communities across Northumberland County in celebration of Pride Month,” Accessibility and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Yasmyn Belle said in the announcement.

“This will be the first time the Town of Cobourg has hosted a formal Pride flag raising ceremony at Victoria Hall, which is an important step forward in marking our allyship and continued commitment to becoming a more inclusive community.”

Second Street will be closed until noon to ensure public safety for this event.
Also at noon, PFLAG Cobourg-Port Hope will join the Cobourg Police Service to raise the Pride flag at the police station at 107 King St. W., to be followed by a community barbecue until 2 p.m. Donations supporting PFLAG Cobourg-Port Hope will be accepted.

As well, Northumberland Family Pride will be hosting a family-friendly Drag Show June 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. At Premiere Dance Cobourg (726 Ontario St., #2). You can reserve your free tickets at https://bit.ly/3yRHHFn

Please note that the Ukrainian flag will be temporarily removed from the Town of Cobourg flagpole at King Street and Second Street. Following Pride Month, the town will once again fly this flag as symbol of solidarity with the people of Ukraine