Elgin County Raises Pride Flag

COUNTY OF ELGIN – Elgin County Warden Dave Mennill raised the Pride flag in front of the Elgin County Heritage Centre today as part of a series of flag raisings across Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas. “Raising the Pride Flag is an opportunity to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity in Elgin County,” stated Warden Mennill. “So many people around the world are speaking out against discrimination and its many forms right now. At this time, and in the midst of a global pandemic impacting so many, it is important that we respect every person regardless of race, sexual orientation or spiritual belief so that we can overcome this challenge together. Raising the Pride flag is a great way to demonstrate this, while at the same time specifically celebrating the LGTBQ+ community in Elgin County.”

In addition to flying the Pride flag, Elgin County continues to work closely with the LGTBQ+ community through inclusive programming. In 2019, Elgin County Library held its first Drag Queen Storytime in partnership with the Rainbow Optimists Club at Belmont Library which attracted over 70 participants of all ages in a fun-loving atmosphere. The library is now hosting a virtual story time in partnership with the Club. Safer Space training has also been provided by the Club to ensure that the County’s workspaces and services in Elgin County remain inclusive. Future programs are planned once facilities such as libraries are able to open to the public.

“This is the first formal flag raising on the flagpole in front of the Elgin County Heritage Centre” stated Warden Mennill. “We hope that the thousands of people who drive, walk or cycle past it every day will see it as a representation of the values we hold dear; that everyone is welcome in Elgin County.”