Pride is locally grown

Community members, allies and elected officials gather outside the County Administration Building in Paris following the annual Pride flag-raising ceremony on June 8. The event recognized Pride Month and reaffirmed the County’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming and respectful community for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Rubyyy Jones

Cultural Correspondent

County of Brant marks Pride Month with flag raising, community voices and a message of inclusion in downtown Paris

While June is a month marked by several important observances — including National Indigenous History Month, Seniors Month and Recreation and Parks Month — Pride Month took centre stage in Paris on June 8 as the County of Brant raised the Pride flag at County Administration offices. It was a sunny afternoon and a group of people of all ages, from different organizations and all walks of life gathered for the festivities and flag raising, led by Mayor David Bailey. The ceremony carried special significance for Bailey, who served as emcee. Having attended the County's first Pride flag raising eight years ago, Bailey now marked what is expected to be his last in office as he prepares to step away from municipal politics at the end of his term.

A few community group leaders took the opportunity to address the crowd gathered and each speaker highlighted a different aspect of Pride Month, reflecting on progress made within the community while also acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. It was wonderful to receive an invitation to speak on behalf of Brant Pride and, as the co-founder and co-chair, my speech focused specifically on the support, respect and love we need to give to Two Spirit, Trans and Queer individuals (Queer not being used as an umbrella term but specifically to represent the ‘Q’ people in the 2SLGBTQIA+), especially since our current political climate is very hostile and full of misinformation. 

The second speaker of the event was Christine Wildman from Worqshop, also representing The Bridge Brant, who shared in their speech. “Years ago, when local advocates began working to create more visible, inclusive, and safer spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community, we reached out to the County each year requesting that the Pride flag be raised. Each year, the answer was "no"—often without explanation and always without an opportunity for dialogue. In 2018, the County of Brant elected its first openly gay mayor, David Bailey. In 2019, he raised the Pride flag at the County for the first time. That moment represented more than a flag raising; it signaled a willingness to recognize and celebrate the diversity that has always existed within our rural communities,” shared Wildman. County of Brant Public Library CEO, Kelly Bernstein, spoke on behalf of the library team, extending solidarity and the actionable promise to represent the rural 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Brant through their literature. 

Faith leader, Reverend Michiko Brown spoke about the inspiring church service they and their Glen Morris congregation created to celebrate Pride and send the message of belonging throughout the County of Brant and beyond. 

Before the flag was proudly hoisted, Mayor David Bailey shared a deeply personal address, speaking openly about his journey to the mayor's office, the challenges of growing up and serving in public life as a gay man, and the insights he gained throughout his two terms as mayor.

Gay men, including Mayor David Bailey, who lived through the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s endured a period of profound loss and hardship. Many watched friends and loved ones die while receiving little support from governments or institutions, relying instead on networks of friends and members of the lesbian community. The prominent placement of the "L" before the "G" in the LGBTQ+ acronym is often recognized as a tribute to the compassion, advocacy and support many lesbians provided during that crisis. At the same time, those affected were forced to fight tirelessly for recognition, medical advancements, legal protections and basic human rights. With the struggles and achievements of past generations in mind, and an understanding that the work of building acceptance and inclusion continues, attendees watched as the Pride flag was raised in downtown Paris. The flag stood as a symbol of the County of Brant's 2SLGBTQIA+ community and a fitting reflection of the message displayed on the new Pride sign: Pride is locally grown.