Members of Outloud North Bay joined Mayor Al McDonald and Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch to present the Pride flag to be flown at City Hall today.
"Thank you, The City of North Bay for all the love and support not only for Outloud North Bay but for all of our 2SLGBTQ+ Members of our community. This was an honour," reads a Facebook shout out from the group's page.
Even though "we celebrate Pride every day," says Outloud founder Seth Compton, needless to say, this year has been challenging for all. "I know other groups are doing online events pushed into the fall, I am hopeful we can celebrate in our new space over the summer. The celebrations don't stop because Pride Month is over."
Compton says the group will continue to hold virtual events and small group gatherings. Outloud has created a community hub for LGTBQ youth and families at 207 Ferguson St.
"Unfortunately with COVID-19 restrictions still in place it bans us from [all] being together in person but North Bay has a strong community and we remain strong together."
Still, Compton says there were a few notable differences without the usual Pride festivities.
"I feel like a few things are missing. The Mayor reached out to our Outloud group to raise the flag because no one had done so. Other groups in our community have fallen wayside because of COVID-19, I'm assuming."
Meanwhile, the City of North Bay says it is "pleased to be flying the Pride flag today outside City Hall to help raise awareness of OUTLoud North Bay’s Pride celebrations."
The City recognizes OUTLoud North Bay for its commitment to the "health, happiness and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ members and allies of North Bay and surrounding communities through services, safe spaces and leadership."
