Counter-protesters wave signs at members of Parents as First Educators driving past TCDSB offices. (Staff Photo)
Pride was on display as a protest and counter-protest played out at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.
Around a dozen members of the Catholic group that the board identified as “Parents as First Educators” circled the block, displaying signs opposing the TCDSB’s decision to fly the rainbow pride flag later this month.
They were outnumbered by around 50 people who support the Board, including Rainbow Collective President Jason Veltri, who says it was a great way to start Pride month.
“Pride is inherently political, and it’s a protest. It started in New York City with Stonewall, and here we are continuing this, 52 years later. We’re still here having to protest for our rights and acceptance in the world, not just in Catholic schools,” Veltri says.
Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay hopes to give local an LGBTQ-friendly stamp of approval.
President Jason Veltri explains the group is offering workshops on gender and sexual diversity and how to make your business more gender-neutral.
He says it’s also “to signal to our community that we’re doing the work to certify businesses to ensure that they meet our standards, to provide that positive and welcoming space for all who identify under the gender and sexual diversity umbrella.”
Once an organization finishes the training, it can display a sticker showing it’s certified. That will expire after three years, but can be reviewed before that if the Collective receives complaints.
The Thunder Bay Catholic District School will fly the Pride flag in June.
In a statement Wednesday, board officials confirm that they, along with Thunder Pride, are working on plans for events throughout the month that will maintain COVID-19 safety precautions.
The decision is being met with applause by both Thunder Pride and the Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board for this upcoming pride month,” noted Pride Chair Ashley Moreau. “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the schools GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) groups and look forward to providing PD and workshops within the Board environment.”