Progressive Pride Flags were raised at ceremonies held City Hall, the University of Lethbridge, and Lethbridge College on June 19 and 20, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Pride flags raised at Lethbridge post-secondary institutions and City Hall

Jun 20, 2023 | 2:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Pride flags have been raised at Lethbridge’s City Hall and its two major post-secondary institutions to celebrate Pride Month.

The three events featured the raising of the Progressive Pride Flag, which recognizes trans individuals, marginalized people of colour, and those living with or who have died from HIV/AIDS.

The first of the flag raising ceremonies came on the morning of Monday, June 19, 2023 outside of the Student Union building at the University of Lethbridge. The flag was brought to the top of the mast on a windy morning after the announcement of the new $200,000 VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund, and speeches from faculty, students and alumni of the university.

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Following the U of L ceremony, the City of Lethbridge hosted the annual flag raising at City Hall in the evening of June 19 in front of a supportive and active crowd.

On Tuesday, June 20, the Progressive Pride Flag was brought up the mast at the front entrance of Lethbridge College. It is the eighth year Lethbridge College has flown a Pride flag in June, and the third year the Progressive Pride Flag was raised.

Lane Sterr, president of Lethbridge Pride Fest and alumni of Lethbridge College’s Business Administration program, was at all three flag raising ceremonies, and gave speeches at each one.

Sterr said the City, Lethbridge College and the U of L’s support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community has had a very positive impact.

He explained, “I think that, you know, we used to just have the flag raising at City Hall and that’s the Lethbridge Pride event. Just to see so many more [initiatives], just seeing the U of L and the College and others wanting to encourage and participate, and raising a Pride flag, is just really nice honestly.”

He added, “It just shows again, our supportive community wants to support us back, and so just the togetherness, it’s great.”

Pride Month festivities will continue in Lethbridge with multiple events around the city this week, including a queer film series at the Lethbridge Public Library on Tuesday, June 20, a Paint and Sip event at the Galt Museum on Thursday, June 22, and the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 24.

A full list of events can be found at the Lethbridge Pride Fest website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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