Rainbow flag makes history
Pride flag flies for first time over HMCS Queen Charlotte
The pride flag reached new heights in Charlottetown this weekend.
In kicking off P.E.I.’s Pride Festival 2016, the flag was hoisted for the first time ever at HMCS Queen Charlotte Sunday afternoon.
Leutenant-Commander Rob Alain, of the HMCS Queen Charlotte, said the flag raising symbolized an evolution in both Canadian society and the armed forces. “We recognize the worth of every human being and we are committed to taking care of our people, this includes embracing and promoting diversity and inclusiveness throughout its ranks,” Alain said during the formal ceremony. Alain said the Royal Canadian Navy does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.
“I’m proud to say the ship’s company of HMCS Queen Charlotte are committed to those principles and demonstrate that commitment both in and out of uniform.”
The flag raising will be the first of many to follow throughout Pride Week that ends July 30.
The kick-off to Pride Week also saw inclusive church services held at the Trinity-Clifton United Church in Charlottetown and the Trinity United Church in Summerside.
The location was fitting because the Charlottetown church was designated as the first affirming ministry in the province earlier this year. An affirming ministry is inclusive of all people regardless of sexual or gender identity. There are about 140 in Canada.
During his sermon, Rev. Greg Davis, recalled numerous times during history that saw religious conflict and pushback over changes within the church.
One of those incidents was during the era of 1509 to 1603, when stained glass windows were seen as blasphemous.
“These windows took away from thinking about God. They were sacrilegious even, but today we look at them as pieces of art,” said Davis.
“We wouldn’t have it any other way, but it wasn’t always like that.”
Davis also recalled a meeting held by the Presbytery of P.E.I. during the 1980s in the Charlottetown church to discuss a recommendation of welcoming all persons as members regardless of their sexual orientation.
“There were strong feelings and debate and there seemed to be a lot of fear,” said Davis, who noted that more than 90 per cent of the church’s congregation recently voted in favour of becoming an affirming church. “I thought to myself ‘we do indeed understand things differently now.’ We’ve changed and grown but there’s still a long way to go. “We’re trying very hard to be welcoming, not only to a certain community, but to all people.”
Davis also took part in the HMCS Queen Charlotte flag raising as the ship’s padre.
The flag at the HMCS Queen Charlotte will remain in the air until the end of Pride Week.
The week will also end with the 2016 Pride Parade through downtown Charlottetown, the Pride in the Park celebration at Rochford square and a dance that night.