Capital Rainbow Refuge on hand to celebrate this year’s theme: All Together Now
Ottawa, On – Flanked by members and allies of the 2SLBGTQ+ community, Capital Pride Executive Director Toby Whitfield and Co-Chairperson Geneviève Colverson raised the Progress Pride Flag at Ottawa City Hall today. The Progress Pride Flag features black and brown stripes to represent 2SLBGTQ+ people of colour, the colors pink, light blue and white to represent the trans community, along with the 6 colours of the rainbow.
“Today we mark the start of the Capital Pride Festival by raising both the Progress Pride Flag and the visibility of the 2SLGBTQ+ community across the National Capital Region,” said Toby Whitfield. Geneviève Colverson added, “Pride honours the victories won to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community – and we continue to advocate for progress locally and around the world. Our communities are stronger when we are all together.”
In August, Capital Pride announced Capital Rainbow Refuge as the inaugural Honoured Group for 2022. Speaking on the group’s behalf today, Durjoy Rahman recalled his lived experience as a beneficiary of their work to support and sponsor 2SLBGTQ+ refugees who resettle in Canada. “I feel free to be myself here in Canada,” said Rahman. “I live in a community that values and accepts me for who I am. This is what I am celebrating this year.”
Today’s Flag Raising marks the beginning of Pride Week: eight action-packed days of programming including six public art installations, an expanded Festival Weekend, and annual Pride Parade. This year’s theme All Together Now is an invitation to celebrate the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region.
Capital Pride celebrates the rich and diverse 2SLGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region. Our mission is to create opportunities to advocate, educate and connect people through programming and events in partnership with our partner community groups, businesses, and sponsors.
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