Safe
Alliance hosts its 3rd year of PRIDE celebrations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay!
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador is a place of pride, diversity, and determination! The Safe Alliance, a volunteer led LGBTQQ support/awareness group in Labrador, was very excited about the success of this year’s PRIDE activities.
For Safe Alliance, PRIDE is the motto, which means “Promoting Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality” and it was this message that the community heard as 3 events were successfully hosted from July 20-21, 2012.
The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay supported through the signing of a proclamation that highlighted the LGBTQQ community and proudly flew the Rainbow Flag from July 6 until after PRIDE weekend on July 23.
PRIDE in the Park enjoyed its 3rd annual celebration in the form of a family fun day with live music, bbq, information booths, and games for all ages! Over 250 people attended this free event held in Kinsmen Park! Organizers were very happy with the support and turnout, with Northmart (a local business) fully sponsoring the bbq!
Safe Alliance launched two new events this year for PRIDE which proved very worthwhile and well attended! PRIDE Party was on July 20 and PRIDE March took place on July 21.
PRIDE Party was the first 19yrs+ dance party for LGBTQQ and their supporters ever in Happy
Valley-Goose Bay which took place at Maxwells night club, where over 100 people attended for prizes, dancing, and awesome music by the Jacinda Beals Band. Jacinda has been a huge supporter of LGBTQQ over the years and the main entertainer for Safe Alliance events, as a strong lesbian role model in the area and heavily involved in community causes.
PRIDE March was the first of its kind in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and this historic walk of solidarity was attended by approximately 30 people, that included local MHA Keith Russell! Walking from EJ Broomfield Arena to Kinsmen Park, the rainbow colours were everywhere; horns were honking and people cheering!! Organizers were proud and moved by the show of support in the community!
Safe Alliance would like to thank the many volunteers and strong supporters of PRIDE activities each year in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and hope to continue with more activities throughout the year to highlight LGBTQQ issues and bring the community together for the inclusiveness of all! The PRIDE motto speaks to all individuals and does not come with labels, only respectful openness.
For more information please visit Safe Alliance on facebook or via email at safealliance.pride@gmail.com
By: Denise Cole
