Just about halfway through pride month! 

LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson.

When asked about the history of pride, quite often the first thing that comes to people’s minds is the Stonewall Riots.
Here in Canada, we have our own rich history and turning points in the struggle for and eventual celebration of LGBT rights. In 2016, for the first time in Canadian history, a pride flag is raised on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Okotoks is well into its own celebration! Just like last year, it is taking place entirely online. 

Committee Member for Okotoks Pride, Tom Barker says they did consider a live event like previous years. 

“We considered doing all of these things. We just felt like we didn't want to put anybody at further risk or anything like that, and especially with the pandemic. Everybody's emotions are very heightened recently and things like that."

They are currently running 'Tales of the Town: Stories' as well as a Variety Show on the 29th. They are especially excited about 'Tales from the Town.' It's a five-part video series where members of the pride community as well as allies open up, share a bit about themselves, and explain what Pride means to them. 

It can be found on their Instagram Page and premiers every Tuesday in June. More info can also be found HERE.

The Variety Show on the 29th will feature local LGBTQ* and allied performers hosted by Shane Onyou. It will be entirely virtual and inspired by Okotoks, showcasing the diverse array of creativity & talent that the community has to offer.

"It's something that people can watch and then have their own feelings on and they can also watch it from home or watch it in private or watch it from wherever they want to. So that's what kind of people can look forward to as far as this pride month goes, everything is virtual and it's accessible, and it's free."

The Town of Okotoks is also looking to install a Pride crosswalk as a gesture of inclusivity to the LGBTQ+ community. The goal is to have the crosswalk installed near the end of June, capping off Pride month.

Related Article: Okotoks to Install a Pride Crosswalk