By Nicole Reis

JUNE PRIDE MONTH

Historic moment for Meadow Lake as June proclaimed as Pride Month

Jun 9, 2020 | 3:34 PM

In what has been described as a historic moment in Meadow Lake, mayor Merlin Seymour proclaimed June as Pride Month last night in city council to acknowledge the LGBTQ2S members of the community. Today, a rainbow flag – funded by OUTSaskatoon – was raised at city hall as dozens of proud citizens watched.

Joanna Metz, 32, told meadowlakeNOW she approached the city with the idea after a conversation with other community members about how the diverse public can be better represented within the community.

“This is a progressive move,” Metz said. ”I think the way the world is now where same-sex marriage is legal and there is more awareness in social media and even in health care – doctors are learning more about how to better treat their patients – I think it’s really important for our city get with the times.”

Metz is a survivor of many hardships throughout her life and has recently identified herself as LGBTQ2S. She said coming out was a freeing experience and attending the ceremony as herself was an important milestone. She said prior to speaking her truth, she feared rejection from friends and family and feared judgement within community. She added she is open with the struggles in her life and gains strength from it. She wants to create awareness in the community for others who may feel alone.

“It took me years to talk about it and that’s okay, you don’t have to say anything in the moment if something happens, your voice is still valuable and still heard,” she said

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The young woman said while the world may be progressive in acknowledging LGBTQ2S rights, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a person’s safety and is grateful for the initiative put forth by the city.

“It’s okay to not come out yet, she said. “Do it when you feel safe and when you have a core group who will support you even if your family doesn’t. Do it when you feel ready and comfortable and I will support you.”

Metz said was humbled with the city’s ability to recognize June as Pride Month without hesitation.

Mayor Merlin Seymour was unable to attend the ceremony but said an internationally recognized group of people is worth acknowledging in the community.

“It important to recognize all the citizens of our community,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what you do, where you work or [who you love], these are citizens of our community and we want to support them,” Seymour told meadowlakeNOW.

The mayor said during his time in council, he has never received a formal request to make a proclamation to recognize Pride and was happy to support all LGBTQ2S members of the community.

Katelin Morin, 24, was at the ceremony and said the flag raising was an important moment for Meadow Lake’s diverse and growing community.

“When the city can proclaim [June] as Pride Month, people are recognized, they’re protected, respected and they feel like they’re loved,” Morin said.

She says LGBTQ2S allyship is worth recognizing and understanding. Through understanding and listening to individuals who have their own unique experience, she explained, a safe space for people to live peacefully can be built.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722