Published June 1, 2022 at 5:14 pm
Mississauga has raised the Progress Pride Flag and is lighting the clock tower to recognize the 2SLGBTQ+ community and launch the beginning of Pride Month in the city.
Earlier today (June 1) the Progress Pride Flag was raised at City Hall and the clock will be lit in rainbow colours to mark the occasion.
“Pride Month acknowledges and focuses on the history and rights of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Mississauga. Equality, freedom, tolerance and respect are foundation values that make Mississauga a safe and inviting place to call home,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “The Pride Progress flag will fly proudly at City Hall for the month of June, and the City will also be changing its logo to the Pride colours, to acknowledge our commitment to diversity, equality and respect.”
The mayor also said she will bring a new motion to City council next week to reaffirm Mississauga’s commitment to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and protect civil rights and the ability to “live openly, equally and without fear.”
Throughout June, the City and other community organizers are offering programs, activities and events in an effort to promote the values of diversity and inclusion for all, some of which include:
Library Author Talks – Wednesday, June 1, 7 to 8 p.m. Featuring writer, photographer and activist Samra Habib. As a journalist, Habib has covered topics ranging from fashion trends and Muslim dating apps to the rise of Islamophobia in the US. Their writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian and The Advocate and their photo project, “Just Me and Allah,” has been featured in Vice, The Washington Post and other media. They work with 2SLGBTQ+ organizations internationally, raising awareness of issues that impact queer Muslims around the world. We Have Always Been Here is their first book.
Presented in partnership with Brampton Library.
Register: EventBrite or Active Mississauga
Peel Pride Book Club (Online) – Thursday, June 9, 7 to 8:30 p m.
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
This Pride Book Club is a collaboration between Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon Public Libraries. It is a way to meet readers from all three communities and talk about books you may not have discovered on your own.
All are welcome to join this virtual book club featuring titles written by 2SLGBTQ+ (2 spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) authors. In this book club, diverse ideas can be communicated while following a collective responsibility to uphold safer spaces for all community members.
Register: Eventbrite or Active Mississauga
Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services – Pride Toronto Parade – Sunday, June 26
For the first time, Mississauga’s Fire and Emergency Services team will show their “Pride” and commitment to inclusivity and diversity within Mississauga’s Fire Services by participating in the Pride Toronto Parade and marching with a Pride coloured wrapped fire truck.
“I am very proud to be a part of this year’s Pride celebrations with our wrapped fire truck which I hope will be a strong symbol for the importance of breaking down barriers and promoting equity. We are working hard as a Fire Service team to ensure everyone can be free to be themselves, feel safe and enjoy acceptance,” said Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management, Deryn Rizzi.
Helping to further raise awareness regarding the journey to equity and inclusion by the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Mississauga has a rainbow ground mural located in Streetsville by artist Vivian Rosas and a Rainbow Pride Bench donated to the City by the Pride Committee of Peel and installed in downtown Mississauga’s Scholar’s Green Park in partnership with Sheridan College.
In addition, for the duration of June, the City’s social media channels will display the pride colours as a demonstration of its commitment to continued learning, awareness and creating an inclusive, equitable and safe city where all are welcome.
Mayor Crombie added, “To close off Mississauga’s Pride celebrations, I will be hosting a Pride Social on Wednesday, June 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stonehooker Brewery in Port Credit. There will be live performances and refreshments. Watch my social media for invites and more details but I hope to see everyone there!”
The City will be using the hashtag #mississaugapride and tag @citymississauga during the month and encourages others to recognize and further the cause of inclusivity and diversity in Mississauga.
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