Cardston to host first Pride celebration June 9

The community of Cardston will host its first LGBTQ2S+ Pride Fest, to support the individuals who feel like a closeted queer in their community.

The Cardston Pride celebration is open to the community to embrace and support the queer individuals living within the town. The celebration is to open a conversation about how the town can create safer spaces and facilities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit and other rainbow-identifying people.

Liz Robers, an organizer of Cardston Pride with Lethbridge Pride Fest, says they put together the celebration to provide a platform for individuals who feel they don’t belong in the community because of their sexuality.

“There is small-town mindset and separation from the ‘outside world,’” says Roberts. “It made me feel like I was the only queer person in the world and like there was something wrong with me.”

Roberts says she still sees LGBTQ2S+ kids who are still experiencing the same torment and social pressures she had growing up and that something needs to be done to support these venerable youth.

“We know that LGBTQ-identifying people are more likely to experience mental health struggles and they are also more likely to be victimized by violence,” says Roberts. “Addressing how these issues affect queer Cardston community members is no small task, but I know the town I grew up in is capable of healing, growth and change.”

The Cardston Pride celebration will be held on June 9, from 12-3 p.m. at Lions Park on 4 Avenue West. There will be a flag raising ceremony held at 2 p.m. on a temporary flagpole provided by the Town of Cardston.

The celebration will have live performances from Francheska Dynamites, the Miss Queen Philippines Canada 2018, actor Rylan Kunkle along with other performances. The festivities will also include food and beverages available by donation.