The Pride Flag raising ceremony will occur this year in Air Ronge instead of La Ronge's Patterson Park. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

awareness

Pride Flag raising ceremony to occur in Air Ronge, several other events planned for June

May 29, 2023 | 5:00 PM

It’s been five years since Pride Month was first celebrated in La Ronge and the movement hasn’t lost any steam.

It is such a great feeling. It’s so liberating knowing there is so much support out there and allies for our community. It just brings a sense of ease, especially knowing in some places of the world, it’s still against the law and some people get murdered for it,” Lac La Ronge Pride Committee President Dean Sanderson said.

“At some places down south, they are trying to make drag illegal. Here, we are all open about it. There are some people who are against drag shows for kids in town. It’s an odd number, but still the majority supports us, and it’s an awesome feeling.”

A full slate of events are planned starting with a Pride Flag raising ceremony June 1 at 7 p.m. at the Air Ronge village office. Air Ronge council is not only hosting the ceremony this year, but is also declaring June as Pride Month, providing a $750 grant and will partner with Gordon Denny Community School for the annual crosswalk painting.

The Lac La Ronge Pride Committee also found support by La Ronge council, which approved a grant for $2,000, as well as another $210 in in-kind support for the 2023 Lac La Ronge Regional Pride Festival in Patterson Park. La Ronge will also declare June as Pride Month.

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“On June 22, we will be having a trivia night at Kostas at from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” Sanderson said.

“There will be a drag and comedy show on the Friday (June 23), where is to be announced. It will be from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday we will have our parade and festival. We meet up at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band office at 10:30 a.m. and start the parade promptly at 11 a.m.”

The festival will occur after the parade. There will be singers, performers and artists from across Saskatchewan performing, as well as a face-painting workshop, a free barbecue, snacks and drinks.

“There’s a lot of kids out there and a lot of people who are ashamed of themselves and in the closet,” Sanderson said about why Pride Month is important.

“That weighs on a person’s mentality and eventually it gets really bad. Showing all the support and everything will help people come out and be themselves and live a happier life and not be scared.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno