Gay Pride Celebration Month Proclamation

WHEREAS: Sioux Lookout has a long and proud tradition of embracing diversity in all its forms – cultural, social, and ethnic; and

WHEREAS: the community of Sioux Lookout is immeasurably enriched by the diversity of our people, including those members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and Two-Spirit, plus other identities (LGBTQIA2S+) communities; and

WHEREAS: Pride events across Canada and around the world are necessary to show community support and belonging for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families, and LGBTQIA2S+ identifying youth in particular; and

WHEREAS: Acknowledging and participating in Pride underscores and affirms our respect for the dignity, equality, and visibility of LGBTQIA2S+ people and families; and

WHEREAS: Recent events such as the global pandemic, the election of populist governments, and in some jurisdictions a decrease in the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, can all lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and insecurity of some of society’s most vulnerable citizens, including LGBTQIA2S+; and

NOW THEREFORE: I, Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, do hereby proclaim June as Gay Pride Celebration Month and encourage all residents regardless of sexual orientation, to celebrate together in recognition of the rainbow of diversity with which our LGBTQIA2S+ community contributes to Sioux Lookout.
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Doug Lawrance, Mayor