This week is Gay Pride Week in the Kootenays. This is a celebration of love and understanding to millions of people worldwide and, in many cases, the acknowledgment of equal rights for LGBT couples.
I am afraid to say that I have been remiss in my duties as a Trail councillor as I did not bring up the topic at the last city council meeting. As such the City of Trail has no proclamation going into this week recognizing this event, an issue I hope to correct in our first meeting in September, even if it is retroactive.
As a global movement, it is important for all levels of government to recognize and respect the rights of all people regardless of race, religion, sex, age or sexual orientation. Too often we forget that the government closest to home, our municipalities, play a huge role in the tone setting for communities and their relationship to the LGBT community.
For myself, I am very appreciative to the efforts done in Nelson this week for their pride parade, and various events happening over the weekend and wish the organizers a very successful event.
If you have the time, the parade is in Nelson on Sunday starting at 3 p.m. and more information on other events is available on the Kootenay Pride Facebook page.
Go Pride!
Sean Mackinlay
Councillor City of Trail