Cambridge begins Pride Month with flag raising ceremony

Members of the community gathered Thursday outside Cambridge City Hall for a flag-raising ceremony.

A progress flag was raised to signify the beginning of Pride Month.

Eric Bolton is a local small-business owner and a co-founder of Grand River Pride. He shared the significance of the flag being raised.

“It’s a symbol of you’re safe here and I think even if people have challenges in their personal life still, there’s something about this community that will say hey there’s probably someone here you can talk to,” said Bolton.

Other communities around the Region have also raised flags to mark the beginning of June.

Speaking to the crowd, Mayor Jan Liggett said remembering history is a key part of the month.

“Pride week is not only a time to celebrate love and acceptance, but to also reflect the struggles and triumph of the [2SLGBTQ+] community,” Liggett said. “It’s a time to honour the courage and resilience of those who have fought for equal rights and justice.”

Bolton also credited the city for not shying away from the importance of supporting Pride Month.

“Right now, different communities are being challenged for standing up as a municipality and for showing a flag, and showing their support,” he said. “For Cambridge to do this boldly…it is really huge.”

Bryan Causarano is also a co-founder of Grand River Pride. He has only lived in Cambridge for about a year but said he has felt support from the community.

“To be a part of a place where everyone kind of loves each other and is here to bolster each other’s success, it has been wonderful to be a part of this,” said Causarano.

Grand River Pride is holding several events over the coming weeks including a street party on Main Street on Saturday, June 10.

“We’re really excited for June 10 to be this free, all-ages, no admission, very family-friendly event,” Bolton said. “That’s an artisan market, and stage performances of various kinds.”

For a full list of pride events in Cambridge, you can click here.