Allan Guinan says it’s an exciting time for the Highlands’ LGBTQ+ community as they collectively prepare to usher in a new era of Pride across Haliburton County.
The longtime president of Minden Pride told The Highlander during a May 12 interview that the organization is rebranding, now going by Pride in the Highlands.
“What began as a celebratory picnic in opposition to homophobia has evolved into a cultural pillar in our region. Next year is going to be our 10th anniversary of Pride in Haliburton County. It’s been a decade of growth, learning, and reflection, and now we’re working towards trying to set ourselves up for the next 10 years.
“Everyone we consulted felt this was a good time to make the switch and have our organization feel more inclusive, that it’s representative of the entire County,” Guinan said.
Sinclair Russell and Bob Baynton-Smith formed the local Pride group following the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016. Forty-nine people were killed in the attack, most of them members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The local Pride group help a visionsharing event at Pinestone Resort May 10, attended by about 70 people. Guinan said while the decision had already been made, many people floated the idea of a rebrand last weekend.
Coming out of that session, Guinan said key focuses for the new Pride in the Highlands includes promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; supporting County businesses, and engaging with youth.
Minden Pride has a long-standing relationship with Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, partnering on events like Hal High Pride Week in years past, but Guinan said there’s a desire for more collaboration.
“We’re hearing there’s lots of room to improve, more things that can be done for the youth in the community who may not feel comfortable coming to Pride events,” he noted.
A new website, prideinthehighlands.ca, will launch this summer, while Guinan said a new collection of Pride in the Highlands merchandise will debut soon.
Other changes are minimal for now, though Guinan said the group has confirmed a refresh of its Pride Week festivities, slated for Aug. 18 to 24. Events such as the Gull River parade, rainbow street festival, and drag storytime will return, while others, like the Pride-themed golf tournament co-hosted with Gals on the Green and both the comedy and trivia night events, have been brought forward.
“People really wanted to see our events spread out more – so the golf tournament is happening in June, comedy night in July, and trivia night earlier in August,” Guinan said. “We are one of the largest cultural festivals in the County, but Pride doesn’t have to be a single week in summer. We can keep the spirit going throughout the year.”
