The 2017 Pride London Festival kicked off with several flag raising ceremonies throughout the city.
London police diversity officer Theresa Allot, with the assistance of Pride London Festival president Andrew Rosser, raised the flag at London police headquarters Thursday morning.
“I’ve been with London police for 25 years and I know that at the beginning of my career there were officers that were doing things that were targeting people that identified as LGBTQ and i’m so proud of where we’ve come as a service,” said Allot.
In Toronto, there’s been heated debate over a decision by pride organizers to keep the Toronto police float and uniformed officers out of this year’s parade. Black Lives Matter has argued that allowing uniformed officers at the parade could discourage marginalized communities from attending.
Rosser acknowledged that there are still issues between police and London’s LGBTQ community, but he believes the relationship has improved under the direction of former London police chief Brad Duncan, and current chief John Pare.
“I’m really proud of the relationship we’ve had well before this ever started, before Toronto Pride and the BLM protest at last year’s Pride. I was on a committee with Theresa and John Pare talking about some of these issues and the gaps in (police) training,” said Rosser.
Staff and students were on hand as the Pride flag was raised at Fanshawe College.
“For the college it’s a really, really important symbol to students that they’re welcome,” said vice president of student services Michele Beaudoin.
More than a week of activities celebrating diversity are on tap for Pride London this year — including art shows, movie screenings, drag queen performances, a charity dinner, and a Pride run.
During the final three days, Victoria Park will host Pride in the Park featuring dance performances at the bandshell, food and craft vendors, and a kids’ zone.
It’s all capped off on Sunday, July 30 with the annual pride parade through the downtown core — the route begins in the Western Fair District parking lot, travels north on Ontario Street, west on Queens Avenue and north on Wellington Street to Victoria Park.
Organizers have arranged for free bus rides to help residents of rural communities across southwestern Ontario attend various events throughout the festival.
More information can be found at pridelondon.ca.
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