LGBTQ+ group has no more energy to get Haldimand County to raise the Pride flag

Haldimand County has never raised a Pride flag, doesn't have one up now and Pride Haldimand Norfolk says the county has no plans to change that.

The LGBTQ+ group has tried to get the flag raised, but one member says they've lost faith in councillors.

"In our meeting this year, we raised the issue of approaching council again and no one really had the energy to do it," Frances Porter said in an interview Thursday morning.

"Especially in a rural area, it's that visual representation that everyone is welcome ... we might be one of the last places in the province that don't."

While she said county staff have been helpful and professional when the group has organized Pride events, Porter said not flying the Pride flag is tantamount to homophobia.

Porter said the group also wants the mayor and councillors to do inclusivity training.

Haldimand County did not respond to requests for comment.

Police, schools and other areas have Pride flag

While Haldimand County hasn't raised the Pride flag, local police and the local school board have.

And the counties and regions surrounding it also have Pride flags and other LGBTQ+ symbols.

St. Catharines unveiled a Pride crosswalk at the St. Paul Street pedestrian crossover, in front of the FirstOntario PAC.

"This design is a visible acknowledgement of the city's solidarity with our LGBTQ2+ and BIPOC communities here in St. Catharines and to visitors from afar. We want to ensure our community is a place where everyone feels seen and welcomed," said St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik.

Hamilton, all the cities in the Niagara region, and the county of Brant have Pride flags.

Norfolk County, Haldimand's neighbour, raised a Pride flag for the first time last year after Coun. Kim Huffman pushed for it. She said they'll be raising the flag again on June 7 at 12:15 p.m.

"It's a symbol of inclusivity to our constituents," she said. "The LGBTQ+ community is alive and well in our community and we need to do everything we can to show them solidarity and support."

'It simply has to happen'

Jason Dale, a teacher in Port Dover who is a vocal equity activist, said he was happy to see that change in Norfolk.

"Symbols matter because it's something tangible for minorities, who in small towns like this, often live in the closet. I know it's much better now than when I was growing up as a kid in the 80s," Dale said.

He also hopes to see it in Haldimand County too.

"If they're not going to raise the flag, that's just terrible ... it simply has to happen, it's unacceptable if it doesn't."