Pride Month takes place each June to recognize the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, a turning point for the U.S. gay liberation movement. Today, Pride Month is a time to champion freedom and equality and to recognize the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ2S+ community, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and two-spirit people and any people who identify as part of sexual and gender-diverse communities.
As we look ahead to summer-long Pride celebrations locally, and throughout Metro Vancouver, we invite everyone to join Coquitlam in supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ community. Such actions, both privately and publicly, help to denounce discrimination and hate in order to further allyship in our vibrant and diverse community. Allyship is not a one-time action, it is a journey of support, learning and commitment. This is a journey that Coquitlam, as an organization, is also embarking on with purpose, while keeping the safety of our residents and community top of mind.
The Pride flag will be flying at City Hall starting on June 1, and Pride banners will be displayed at locations across the City. These flags, alongside rainbow-coloured lighting on Pinetree Way and the rainbow crosswalk on Burlington Avenue, showcase the City’s support for Pride in Coquitlam.
Since the late 1970s, the rainbow flag and colours has been a universally recognized symbol for Pride that reflects both the diversity and the unity of the LGBTQ2S+ community. While the design has evolved over time, the Pride rainbow has remained an enduring symbol of support and celebration. To learn more about the rainbow Pride flag, its origins through designer Gilbert Baker and its history, visit glbthistory.org/gilbert-baker.
Join us for a variety of events throughout the month of June, including barbecues, a youth art exhibition, and a pride-themed movie series. These activities offer great opportunities for learning, connection and community-building.
Family Tie Dye and Cookie Decorating at Pinetree Community Centre
Pride Movies – Rocketman at Glen Pine Pavilion
Pride Movies – Saving Face at Glen Pine Pavilion
Poirier Youth Celebrate Pride! 3rd Annual BBQ at Poirier Youth Centre
Pride Skate at Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex
Pride Movies – Everything Everywhere All At Once at Glen Pine Pavilion
Youth Art Exhibit at Pinetree Community Centre
Maillardville Families Celebrate Pride! at Maillardville Community Centre
Youth Pride Night at Maillardville Community Centre
Creative Cooks: Sweet and Savoury Rainbow Monkey Bread at Maillardville Community Centre
Pride Movies – Bohemian Rhapsody at Glen Pine Pavilion
Pride Movies – The Kids Are Alright at Glen Pine Pavilion
Some of the local resources and supports available include:
The Tri-Cities Pride Society (TCPS) was formed in September 2017 to advocate for and serve the LGBT2SQ+ communities in the cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam. Led by an elected board of directors, the TCPS aims to help make the Tri-Cities more inclusive and safer for the LGBT2SQ+ communities through advocacy, social events, education and consultation. Find out more and how you can support at tricitiespride.ca.
Participation in Pride Month is part of Coquitlam’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and fostering a welcoming environment both within the City government and the community. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by applying the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to guide the City's policies, operations, language and services. EDI work aims to break down barriers to ensure that everyone—regardless of ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity characteristics—is able to live, work and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. To deepen your understanding of EDI, and its significance, we invite you to visit coquitlam.ca/EDI.