June is Pride month in Canada and this year celebrations are happening all throughout the Halton district after two years of festivities being paused. Halton Hills Public Library will be celebrating Pride month like they have previously. There will be special events and programs that honour LGBTQ+ authors and their books in addition to social media posts spotlighting queer storytellers. The Pride flag will also be raised in Acton and Georgetown library branches. More information regarding the Halton Hills Public Library Pride festivities can be found here.
Conservation Halton will be celebrating Pride month as well, they will be hosting a ‘Pride in Nature’ event on June 11th 2022 from 11am- 8pm. Conservation Halton shares,
“Join us to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Halton and surrounding area with a nature-based event including food, drinks, activities, art, music, other entertainment, as well as an opportunity to plant native species in the park. All are welcome, including members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as friends, families and allies.”
Tickets are available for purchase and proceeds will be donated to the Positive Space Network, a program that supports LGBTQ+ youth in Halton. More information regarding the Pride in Nature event can be found here, tickets are currently available for purchase.
On January 18th 2022, the Halton Catholic School Board passed a motion to raise the Pride flag in the month of June in order to nurture a safe and welcoming environment to all. The Halton Catholic school board addressed the raising of the Pride flag in an email newsletter. Pat Daly the Director of Education writes,
“It is most fitting that June is also the month devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which for Catholics is a sign and symbol of God's boundless and passionate love for all humanity. Drawing on the example of Christ, who preached a message of love and inclusion throughout His ministry, our Catholic schools are called to ensure we are nurturing safe and inclusive learning environments, where every student and every member of the community is welcomed, valued, and respected. “
Daly continues, “As Catholics, we believe that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, who created us and loves us unconditionally – just as we are. We honour the inherent dignity in each other by treating one another with sensitivity, compassion and respect.”
This will be the first time that the Pride flag will be raised at Halton Catholic schools and locals seem to be happy with the progressive choices the school board is making. Chris, a Catholic school parent from Acton shares,
“I am happy to see the Catholic school board taking further steps towards inclusion. Jesus’ teachings are built on inclusivity and acceptance and it is great to see the school board moving towards that.”
Pride will continued to be celebrated throughout Halton for the month of June and July and more events are expected to happen throughout the upcoming weeks. More information regarding Pride within Halton can be found at Halton Pride Collective using the link, here.
Here are some more events for Pride month taking place in Halton Hills...
June celebrates our 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies. During Pride month, we commemorate the historic and current impact that two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and a diverse array of other people have had locally, nationally, and internationally. It’s a great time to recognize the contributions of our 2SLGBTQ+ peers, learn a little bit more about 2SLGBTQ+ history, celebrate diversity, and consider the ways that we can all contribute to creating a more inclusive Halton Hills.
Halton Hills Public Library invites the community to celebrate in fabulous style with programs, collections, resources, and pride!
Positive Space Network (PSN) Drop-In
These drop-ins provide a safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ youths aged 12-24 to engage, connect and have fun with one another! PSN hosts workshops, guest speakers, and provide games and food. Join us on Tuesday, June 21 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. at the Acton Branch for an enjoyable and social time. PSN is also offering gender-affirming gear to trans and non-binary youth. For more information, please contact PSN at https://positivespacenetwork.ca/pr/gender-affirming-gear/.
Collections
Visit the Library and discover all that we have to offer our 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies. Borrow poetry, books, movies, eBooks, and audiobooks, written by 2SLGBTQ+ authors and creators. Reserve online and pick them up in branch or stop by your favourite library branch to browse and explore our shelves. We have something for everyone. Visit HHPL’s online catalogue to view our collection. Happy Pride!
Drag Queen Storytime – SAVE THE DATE!
Your Library is once again proud to offer our popular Drag Queen Storytime, hosted by Fay and Fluffy! Drag Queen Storytime takes traditional elements of a professional performance for children and adds an opportunity to promote inclusion and diversity. It is a chance to offer 2SLGBTQ+ positive family programming that helps to create understanding and appreciation of gender roles and diversity. As our most popular program of all time, we are happy to have everyone join us Saturday, July 9 from 1-2 p.m.! As Fay and Fluffy say, “Reading is fun-damental!”
In Branch Displays
Visit the Acton or Georgetown Branches of HHPL to view our Pride displays. Our displays feature information, books, and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, friends, family members and allies. Your Library is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for all members of our community! Stop by and see what’s here for you.
For more information, visit your library during regular operating hours, call us at 905-873-2681, or visit us online 24/7 at www.hhpl.on.ca. Celebrate your pride with HHPL
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