Progressive pride flag raised around Hamilton for Pride Month

June 1st is the first day of Pride Month and this year you’ll see a more progressive flag flying high across Hamilton.

The progressive pride flag was raised at the HWDSB Education Centre and Hamilton City Hall. The rainbow flag has been an important symbol of pride since the 1970s. In 2018, new stripes were added. Black and brown represent Indigenous people and people of colour. The pink, baby blue, and white represent the trans community.

HWDSB equity consultant and transgender educator, Mitch Borsc says the colours have been added to include communities who have been left out, “they’ve been historically left behind and silenced but now we realize as communities we need to stand in solidarity with everyone who’s marginalized.”

The HWSDB is in the process of switching all of its rainbow flags to progressive flags.

The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board is introducing positive space clubs into elementary schools. The clubs will serve as a space for students to share their queerness openly and learn about their identities.

HWDSB trustee Maria Felix Miller says, “the reality is that we need to celebrate pride today through June 30 but we need to live it every day in our schools and in our communities.”