Flags raised in Oxford and Huron counties to mark start of Pride month

Despite the recent controversy in Norwich Township, area Pride officials say they look forward to a month of celebration, education and continued protest.

Despite the recent controversy in Norwich Township, area Pride officials say they look forward to a month of celebration, education and continued protest.

Progress Pride flags were raised across Oxford County Thursday and in Goderich for Huron County to mark the start of Pride month.

In Oxford, seven flag-raising ceremonies were held across multiple municipalities, including Woodstock, Tillsonburg and Ingersoll.

One place without Pride flags on municipal property is Norwich, which recently banned all non-civic flags on municipal property. The 3-2 decision resulted in Ward 2 Coun. Alisha Stubbs resigning from her seat before the end of the meeting when the vote occurred.

Tami Murray, president of the Oxford County Pride Committee, says she believes narratives from the United States have trickled into communities in Canada, “giving people permission to express their negative narratives.”

But despite those narratives, Murray says the LGBTQ2 community in Oxford is strong and ready to stand up.

“Pride is protest, and we need to continue to protest for our human rights,” said Murray.

Despite Norwich council’s decision, Murray says a non-denominational service will be held this Sunday at the United Church in Norwich for the second year in a row.