By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

Celebrating the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community and demonstrating Oliver’s inclusiveness Mayor Martin Johansen on behalf of town council proclaimed June as Pride Month in Oliver.

Speaking at the event on Monday morning, Tony Munday, President of the South Okanagan Similkameen Pride Association noted the proclamation is a celebration of the “vibrant spectrum of identities that make up our community. It is a testament to our unity, love, and the unwavering spirit of inclusivity.”

Munday also noted that Pride Month is a time of “reflection, celebration, and advocacy”. Reflection on the hard won rights and freedoms the pioneers of the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement struggled to achieve.

Celebration, he said, of difference and the powerful declaration to the world that “love is love, that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that our differences are to be celebrated, not condemned.”

He added that Pride is a reminder that “we must continue to stand up against discrimination, hate, and violence in all its forms.”

“Here in the town of Oliver, we are fortunate to have a community that values diversity and inclusion.” But that work is not finished, he said. Education, adovcacy and support are crucial.

“We must ensure that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, feels safe, loved, and valued.”

Munday expressed his gratitude to the Town of Oliver staff, Mayor, and Council for their “unwavering support” for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community.

He said that by proclaiming June as Pride month in the town of Oliver, “we send a powerful message to those who are still struggling, still hiding, still afraid.

“We want you to know that we stand with you. You are not alone. Your identity is valid, your existence is beautiful, and your life is worth celebrating.”

Munday also urged taking the proclamation as a call to action to uplift and support one another, to advocate for equality and justice, and to celebrate the diversity that enriches the community.

“Together, we can create a future where every individual can live authentically and be embraced for who they are,” he said.

 

Proclamation

WHEREAS The Town of Oliver is an inclusive, accepting community providing opportunities for all to come together to celebrate their diversity;
AND WHEREAS We encourage the affirmation of everyone, regardless of their ability, age, class, race, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation;
AND WHEREAS In recognition of the dignity and worth of all people, and honour and respect for our differences, we can participate as individuals and members of our diverse communities:

NOW THEREFORE I Mayor Martin Johansen on behalf of Oliver Council
DO HEREBY PROCLAIM June 1st – June 30th, 2024 as “Pride Month” in the Town of Oliver.