Raising pride

City officials raised the Thunder Pride and rainbow flags at city hall Tuesday, a symbolic event that many believe shows that Thunder Bay is becoming a more welcoming and open community.

The Thunder Pride 2011 festival officially kicked off its weeklong event, which starts on June 5, with a flag raising ceremony at city hall on Tuesday. About 50 people gathered around outside as the Thunder Pride and the rainbow flags rose.

Rory Bohler, 32, an independent music educator, said the two flags flown at city hall meant the community supported people being themselves.

There are still some issues within the city but the flags were a step in the right direction toward making Thunder Bay a progressive community, he said.

"There are definitely still some issues in the community, but I think we’re moving in the right direction," he said. "This means quite a lot to a lot of people in the community. It’s cool to see it up there. Maybe it will bring people together and maybe not make the city such a harsh place for people."

Tanis Wing, 27, said she came to the flag raising to support her friends. She said it’s important to show support because no one should be excluded from the community.

She said bullies made fun of her friends by calling them names and stereotyping them but she always stood by her friends and rallied in their support.

"We’re all somebody’s children." Wing said. "I happen to be straight but I have friends that I’m here to support. I believe in diversity, love and all kinds of love."

She added it felt ground breaking to see the flags at city hall.

Thunder Pride spokesman Tom Boland said he was thrilled with the support shown by city council and all the district school boards. He added that residents can show their support for the festival by coming to each event.

"Thunder Bay really needs to give themselves a pat on the back," Boland said."I’m overwhelmed by the support and overwhelmed by the community spirit. We want the youth to realize that they are living in a safe city to grow up in.

“This city is a place where we can go to school proudly and work proudly and not to look for careers elsewhere."

He added that Thunder Pride would definitely return next year.

Thunder Pride will have events scheduled throughout the week of June 6, with the first event at Westminster United Church on Sunday, June 5.