Pride and allies attend gathering at Market Square in Swift Current

Local allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Swift Current came out to stand together at Market Square yesterday. 

Southwest Saskatchewan Pride originally had not planned to attend any event yesterday, as many of the pride community felt they would be unwelcome and unsafe in downtown Swift Current. 

This was due to the fact that the 1 Million March 4 Children was taking place at noon in the City. 

After some consideration and an outpouring of support from 2SLGBTQIA+ allies within the community, Southwest Saskatchewan Pride rallied together to have a peaceful gathering at Market Square, during the March. 

While the event wasn't organized by the Southwest Saskatchewan Pride, some of their board members did attend including Shawn Mullin.

"It's just members of the community who wanted to stand in solidarity with everybody and the 2SLGTBQIA+ community," said Mullin. "To say that on a day that could make them feel targeted, that could make them feel less welcome in this community, we wanted to stand with them and say that we stand with them, that they are welcome, that they are supported." 

Members and allies of Southwestern Saskatchewan Pride setting up everything at Market Square, an hour before everything started. 

The event was peaceful, with peace signs and even a few hugs being exchanged with the folks on the March. Pride allies and members were able to stand with their flags and had a cordial interaction with the March members. 

Shaun Hanna, a community member who attended the Market Square gathering, was able to attend the Community Caring Event at the Pride Centre later in the evening. There, he and others gathered to provide reassuring presences and open up a safe space for anyone feeling like they needed to gather with like-minded individuals. 

The door was open to any and all who wished to share in a safe space, free of ridicule and rejection. 

"Our purpose here tonight was to provide a safe space for community members to debrief, to share their feelings, to just kind of exist and recalibrate with the great community and supportive people," said Hanna. "To make sure that if there was support that was needed that we can provide that in a conscientious matter."

Hanna took the time to reassure anyone looking to discuss the day's events, offering insights into the politics of the groups involved, and sharing his viewpoints. 

When asked if he had noticed any ripples in the community following the day's events, he was able to recognize the elevated societal position that lent him distance from immediate impacts. 

"I'm still a cis-gendered white male in the community, so I have some insulation from that, right?" Hanna pointed out. "I would encourage you to direct that question to somebody who would have a little bit more person personal stake in that." 

Members of the Swift Current 2SLGBTQIA+ community were able to come together, enjoying the company of allies and members. The ability to safely share in the space, without fear of reprisal from those gathered, was a relief to many. 

To read more about the 1 Million March 4 Children, click here. 

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