Businesses that value diversity, equity, and inclusion can take part in Saugeen Shore's Pride Recognition Program, a symbolic effort to show members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community that they are safe and welcome.
The town is handing out window decals with the words "Saugeen Shores Supports" along with a rainbow to establishments that embrace people of all gender and sexual identities.
"As our population grows in size and diversity, initiatives like this will help us become more open and more inclusive,” said Mayor of Saugeen Shores Luke Charbonneau. “We need all of our residents to feel at home, and we need visitors to know they are welcome.”
There are about 100 window decals available, which were created in partnership with the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, along with the Southampton and Port Elgin Business Improvement Areas. This initiative comes as part of a "Welcoming Communities Action Plan," which seeks to raise awareness on the town's strength in diversity, and foster positive relationships with marginalized groups.
"We have unfortunately seen a rise in hatred, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and the likes over the past few years. Unfortunately, the discrimination our community faces on a daily basis impacts the overall well-being and wellness of our community members." Grey-Bruce Pride said in a statement to CKNX News Today. "To have communities stand in solidarity with us and promote safety for our queer community is essential and quite literally life-saving for our most vulnerable community members."
To commemorate Pride Month, the town will also raise the Rainbow Flag outside of the Municipal Office on June 1.
"Visibility validates," said the Grey-Bruce Pride statement. "Our community is suffering and deserve to live and love safely and equitably, we thank the Town of Saugeen Shores for their allyship in recognizing and providing visibility for our 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Community."
Any businesses interested in getting a Saugeen Shores Supports window decal can request one online at https://www.saugeenshores.ca/pridedecals/. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Grey-Bruce Pride also offers 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Oppression Trainings for local businesses, organizations, and governments. To schedule a training, reach out to them at greybruceprideinfo@gmail.com.