REMINDER: Due tomorrow (June 12)!

Lanark County Warden Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve) has declared June to be Pride Month in Lanark County. The proclamation expresses Lanark County’s support for the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination. “All people, regardless of race, national or ethnic... origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic characteristics, or disability, have the right to be treated based on their intrinsic value as human beings.”

It states Lanark County accepts and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and believes a diverse population leads to a more vibrant community, and that the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and + (2SLGBTQIA+) communities contribute to the cultural, civic, and economic successes of the Lanark County. “While our society is slowly embracing new definitions of sexuality and gender, we must also acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination and prejudice.”

Lanark County is displaying the Progress Pride Flag, “representing light, healing, sun, calmness, art, and spirit,” in front of its administration building for the month of June to acknowledge the efforts to bring awareness to the continuing evolution of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride movement.

“I encourage our residents to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community face and to celebrate their contributions that enhance our county,” Kidd said.