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Vandalism casts a shadow on pride month
Pride month is a time for celebration, unity, and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. However, in Powell River, British Columbia, the spirit of pride has been challenged by an unfortunate act of vandalism.
A scheduled flag-raising ceremony at Powell River City Hall was postponed after the pride flag was cut down over the weekend. This incident has left many in the community feeling disheartened, yet determined to continue their celebrations.
Community response and resilience
Donna Gillenardo-Goudreau, president of the qathet Pride Society, expressed her disappointment over the vandalism. “Basically cut down all the flags, removed the rope and all of the gear that hoist the flags, basically making it impossible for us to do a flag-raising this morning,” she explained.
This act of destruction is not new to the community; similar incidents have occurred in previous years, including the defacement of rainbow-themed decorations. Despite these setbacks, the community’s resolve remains strong. Gillenardo-Goudreau noted that the city has captured CCTV footage of the incident, and local law enforcement is providing support to the pride organizers.
Looking forward to pride events
Despite the challenges posed by vandalism, the qathet Pride Society is moving forward with plans for the city’s second-ever pride parade next month. Gillenardo-Goudreau emphasized that the community will not be deterred by this incident.
“We are not going to lose hope, we are definitely going to keep our events and be out there even more visibly than we would have been before,” she stated. The pride events are not just about celebration; they are a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community in Powell River.
The organizers hope that the community will come together to support the events, reinforcing the message that love and acceptance will always prevail over hate.
