Barrie Pride aiming to increase accessibility to the community
While small in numbers Sunday, a group from Barrie's Pride community gathered to send the message to others that they are not alone.
As Pride month wraps up in Simcoe County, members from Barrie Pride gathered in Sunnidale Park Saturday, reflecting on what officials called a successful few weeks of celebrations. However, while turnout was high this year at the Pride Parade, Sunday's gathering was meant to provide a more low-key option for people who large crowds may deter but still want to participate.
"I want to be visible for everybody who maybe came out during the pandemic or maybe who didn't feel comfortable before, because as the years go on, we are becoming more and more visible, and we're not going just to stop that," said Brodi Mears, the executive director of Barrie Pride. "We want a community. We want people to know that it's safe here."
Mears has said that turnout for this year's Pride Parade, held earlier this month, was among the best in its nearly 10 years.
While Pride month is coming to an end, events like Sunday's Rainbow Walks will become a monthly tradition, Mears said, in an effort to increase accessibility to the group.
"Obviously, with COVID still being a very real concern for a lot of people, I didn't just want events where you had to be inside where there weren't necessarily masks available," said Mears. "Also, with this beautiful weather and green space that we have here in Barrie, it just seems like a waste almost not to come out to explore where we can, and all of us try to get together in as many different scenarios as we can."
The group will aim to hold these walks on the fourth Sunday of every month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.
Opinion 'Sasquatch Sunset' review: There won't be a weirder movie in theatres this year
Rare is the movie that can ride the line between scatological and sublime, absurdist and acute.