Flag raisings across Niagara mark the beginning of Pride Month

The first day of June marks the beginning of Pride Month, a month to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

One by one, the Pride flag went up in municipalities all across the Niagara region, including Grimsby, West Lincoln, Pelham and St. Catharines.

Pride Niagara says the flag not only symbolizes diversity and acceptance but also shows Niagara is a place where everyone is welcomed.

“We are showing folks that are living outside of a large urban setting that you do have a space somewhere, you do have a home here,” says Darryl Dyball from Pride Niagara. “In Niagara it’s beautiful. Queer community is celebrated, and we want people to know that you belong here.”

Community members, allies and politicians gathered across Niagara. They say their message is clear and simple, Niagara is a diverse and welcoming place.

“It’s really important for members of our community to know that we are a welcoming, inclusive community and the flag symbolizes that,” says Cheryl Ganann the mayor of West Lincoln.

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“On an annual basis, we need to come out here and show support and ally ship with the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” says St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe.

Community members say the Pride flag provides hope.

“I just think of being that young person that was out at 13, that was tremendously bullied for who I was and being able to see that flag soaring high in the sky was a symbol that people like us exist and that there are safe spaces,” says Diamond Heart Cartier!, Pride Niagara Ambassador for 2026/2027.

Seven out of the 12 municipalities in the Niagara Region chose to take part in Pride Niagara’s official flag raising ceremonies, including Niagara Region Headquarters.

“It’s important to have that symbol, so that people that are living in these municipalities know that there is someone there that’s supporting them and to let them know they can reach out,” says Enzo De Divitiis from Pride Niagara.

Pride Niagara is holding many events throughout June, for more information you can check out their social media or website.

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