MP Carol Hughes on Rainbow Coalition Flag Raising on Parliament Hill
From @CanadianPM on Twitter: Jun 1 “Prime Minister Trudeau raises the Pride flag on Parliament Hill, a first in Canada’s history. #PrideMonth”
This week, the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and the public gathered on the front lawn of Centre Block to witness an historic event—the raising of the Pride flag on Parliament Hill. Although it was a symbolic measure, the event showcased Canada’s commitment to work towards inclusivity for members of the LGBTQ community. I was proud to be in attendance at the ceremony which received the support of all political parties.
This long awaited event was held on June 1st since that day marks the beginning of Pride month – a month dedicated to the acceptance and equality of LGBTQ individuals. For me, Pride month began last weekend, when I was in Elliot Lake to help kickoff that community’s 4th annual Pride celebrations.
It has been a significant year for the LGBTQ community and while there are still many challenges, there is much to celebrate as well. For starters, the government has adopted all the language from New Democrat Randall Garrison’s bill which will change the Criminal Code to make it illegal to discriminate on terms of gender identity or expression. Garrison and other NDP MPs introduced their legislation several times over the years, but this time is different since it is the first time that the governing party has supported the notion. Now that the government has picked up the legislation, its passage has become a matter of when, and not if. For an MP from the third party in the House, it is a victory indeed.
That said, much remains left to do. In Canada and around the world, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals still face unequal treatment, harassment and discrimination just because of their gender expression and identity. Part of the answer is the Pride movement which has led to more acceptance and support as it develops momentum year after year.
June Pride month, community Pride celebrations, and the Pride flag-raising on Parliament Hill are important events because they are a testament to the hard work, the passion, and the determination of people who believe in equality no matter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
More than recognizing those of the LGBTQ community, Pride celebrations bring out the best in all of our communities. They have the ability to gather people together on a beautiful afternoon- people from different parties with varying ideologies – and bring them together in a spirit of inclusivity to celebrate what makes us similar.
For some, it may just be a flag-raising, and it may just be another month, but these symbols truly matter. These are the kind of symbols that make people more compassionate and conscientious. They are symbols of the real work done every day. The work done that makes an ideal become a law. And the work done to make that law reflective of the value we, as Canadians, place on individual rights, freedoms and equality.
The takeaway is that we can recognize our diversity, remember there’s still work to be done, but most importantly celebrate our accomplishments – which are not inconsequential.
