The third annual Pride weekend in Lacombe began today (August 22) with a flag-raising ceremony in the morning at the Michener House Museum, in partnership with the Lacombe Museum.
The community was out in supportive rainbow attire and guest speakers were on hand to help kick off the Pride celebrations.
Jonathan Luscombe, founder of the Lacombe Pride Society, opened the ceremonies with a few words and then introduced two MLAs: Janis Irwin, representing Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, and Brooks Arcand-Paul of Edmonton-West Henday.
After encouraging speeches from all three speakers on community and acceptance, the flag was raised up the pole to Diana Ross’s "I’m Coming Out", along with cheers and applause.
The community was then invited to stay and create art projects with paints and clay, or to make beaded bracelets that could be kept or traded as an act of love and belonging.
Speaking on why it’s important for her to attend smaller Pride events compared to those in larger cities, Irwin said:
“I’m a small-town girl myself. I grew up in Barrhead and I’ve spent the last six years being an MLA, really getting to travel the province, and it’s just been incredibly inspiring to see these small communities coming together to celebrate Pride. It’s just really important to have community and here in Lacombe you can see there’s a thriving community.”
Arcand-Paul, who began his speech in Cree, spoke on how it is not only important to support Pride and incorporate the two-spirit community, but also to recognize the Indigenous heritage that comes with it.
“It’s important for me because in the stories that I’ve been told by elders and the stories that community holds on to, Indigenous people always revered queer folks in our circles.”
He explained that Indigenous culture sees two-spirit individuals as being connected to Creator because they balance both masculine and feminine energies, often being placed in ceremonies and important positions.
“It’s really important to bring that back and understand that practice has always been on these lands. Respect for queer folks has always been a part of Indigenous identity — and it’s time that we get back to that absolute respect for all humankind, for every single one, because everyone deserves respect, love and kindness.”
And that is exactly the type of positive environment that the Lacombe Pride weekend embodies: acceptance, encouragement, respect and, of course, a lot of rainbows and fun.
When asked what his favourite part about Pride weekend is, Luscombe said:
“I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend and Pride’s not really, specifically to me, about any one specific event. It’s just about creating that community spirit and I think that’s really what this embodies and what brings me so much joy.”
The Pride events continue into the remainder of today with the first-ever Drag Storytime and, later, the return of "Pups & Pints", with more events planned for Saturday.
For more information on the weekend events, follow the Lacombe Pride Society’s social media accounts or click on the related story below.
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