Over 100 people took part in this year’s Pride Walk in Fort Frances.
The walk remained on the Canadian side of the Rainy River for the first time since 2022.
Decisions by the Trump Administration directly impacting the LGBTQ2S-plus communities led organizers to abandon the traditional cross-border walk.
Committee Chair Abbey Calder still considered it successful and important.
“I think it’s important every year as it has been since Stonewall and since these Pride events have come into being,” says Calder.
“But this year, I think it is especially important because of everything that is going on politically in the States and around the world today.”
A small handful of Americans did take part in the walk.
Others who chose not to cross the border showed their support on the other side of Rainy River, displaying Pride signs and waving Pride flags just as the walk got underway.
The walk took participants from the Sorting Gap Marina to the Fort Frances Civic Centre, where Mayor Andrew Hallikas and members of Borderland Pride raised the Pride flag.
Hallikas says it represented those people who contribute to the community yet continue to be persecuted for who they are.
“By participating in this Pride March, we are showing our communities that we are proud of Pride and that we welcome and support members of the two SLGBTQIA plus community and their families,” says Hallikas.
“But there is much more work to be done. As a society, we need to do more to ensure that the vulnerable and the marginalized among us are treated fairly and with respect. We need to ensure that they feel safe and are, in fact safe.”
Hallikas says he is also saddened to see diversity, equity and inclusion under attack in the United States.
He says no one should feel comfortable when others experience discrimination, hatred and violence.
“I am proud to stand with you today as we fight against discrimination and hatred and fight for acceptance and love for all,” Hallikas told those who participated in the walk.
“But let us remember that Pride is much more than just a march. It’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that our work is not done until every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can safely live with dignity and respect.”
