Day of Rainbow Pride Flag Raisings To Commence In Georgian Bay

For Immediate Release

DAY OF RAINBOW PRIDE FLAG RAISINGS TO COMMENCE IN GEORGIAN BAY

All Muskoka Municipalities to Show Support for Diversity

PORT SEVERN, ONTARIO – July 20th , 2014 – For the second year, all six municipalities in Muskoka are raising the Rainbow Pride flag on Monday July 20th to recognize Muskoka Pride Festival which runs July 17 – 26.

The first Rainbow flag will be raised in Port Severn at 10:30. Mayor Larry Braid, Georgian Bay Councillors and staff will join Muskoka Pride board members and the public with the official flag raising.

“Muskoka is a large geography, stretching from Georgian Bay all the way to Algonquin Park,” says Shawn Forth, Muskoka Pride board member. “It is fitting that we are starting our day of flag raisings in the easternmost municipality and then making our way west.”

The vast geography often makes people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer) feel very isolated and alone, Forth explains. “The Rainbow Pride flag is a symbol of inclusion and flying it proudly in rural Ontario communities fosters a sense of belonging and celebration.”

This is the second year that the Township of Georgian Bay has raised the Rainbow Pride flag. The Rainbow flag will also be raised in the Townships of Muskoka Lakes, and Lake of Bays, and the towns of Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst later in the day. Members of the public are invited to attend any of the flag raisings.

The Rainbow Flag symbolizes the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community with the different colours representing the diverse groups.

The Muskoka Pride Festival continues with events all week throughout Muskoka. The week concludes on Sunday July 26th with the 7th annual Muskoka Pride Picnic at Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge.

For further information about all events, go to www.muskokapride.com or visit the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.

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