CORNWALL, Ontario – In response to last month’s massacre in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Diversity Cornwall seeks to bring Gay Pride back to Cornwall to create a safe and educated community where everybody is included.
One of the group’s leaders, Traci Flewelling says that Brockville and Kingston have their own Pride Days and that its time for Cornwall to have one too.
To raise funds for a Pride Day in Cornwall, Diversity Cornwall will be holding a barbecue at the corner of St. Felix Street and Walton Street on Sunday, July 17. Admission is pay-what-you-can and Flewelling says it is a great opportunity to raise awareness, meet the community and network.
Diversity Cornwall envisions having a parade, movies and an evening gala as a part of Pride celebrations in Cornwall next September.
Flewelling said that she remembered coming to Cornwall five years ago and feeling judged and uncomfortable when walking into a local bar. Now however, she says Cornwall has changed a lot and hopes that her group can contribute to a more inclusive community.
“We want Cornwall to be a safe place for everyone,” Flewelling said. “We want to educate people and have family friendly events.”
Flewelling said that the response from the community has been positive and overwhelming.
“We have gotten a lot of messages from people who want to volunteer and help,” she said. “I told my mom last night its an overwhelming excitement. I didn’t expect this kind of response. I couldn’t be happier, we’ve had no negative feedback.”
Stephanie Nadeau, another member of Diversity Cornwall says that the support of the municipality has been positive as well.
“So far the City’s been really wonderful,” Nadeau said. “We’ve gotten council to agree that at the Aug. 8 council meeting they will proclaim Sept. 10 Diversity Day in Cornwall.”
People interested in learning more about Diversity Cornwall or who want to volunteer are asked to check out their Facebook page.
