The District of Sparwood is flying a pride flag for the first time in recognition of pride month.
Mayor David Wilks said that the district had taken some feedback on community sentiments through a survey by the Fernie Pride Society to heart, which had revealed that the LGBT+ community didn’t feel as welcome in Sparwood as it did in neighbouring Fernie.
“We’re fully on board with Pride Month,” said Wilks. “We’ll fly the flag for the rest of the month.”
The flag, which is a progress pride flag, is on loan from Fernie Pride Society and is flying outside the Municipal Hall in the centre of town.
“It’s important that everyone feels safe in our community,” said Wilks.
“I hope this is a form of moving forward.”
The survey feedback on Sparwood, which came from a study done by Capaciti Consulting showed that while the community at large within Sparwood felt it was welcoming, members of the LGBT+ community disagreed, with many queer-identifying residents giving Sparwood as a community a low score for inclusivity.
Wilks said that the district would make a habit of flying the flag on pride month every year.
READ MORE: Fernie Pride survey gives high(er) marks to Fernie than neighbours for inclusivity
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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