3 successes for Hamilton's LGBTQ community

it has been 20 years since a human rights ruling forced the city to recognize Hamilton's pride week, and in that time, there's been plenty of positive change in the city.

Where once there was pushback, Pride flags now fly this week in front of City Hall and police headquarters, marking the importance of the celebrations.

• READ MORE: 3 changes Hamilton's LGBTQ community wants to see

There have been struggles too, and plenty of room for improvement but also lots of positives.

In celebration of this year's Pride festivities, CBC Hamilton asked some prominent members of the city's LGBTQ community about what positive changes they've seen in recent years. Here's what they had to say:

1. Better representation

Last year we saw the first openly gay City Councillor, Aidan Johnson, elected. Having a voice at that table can and will do so much for the gay community in Hamilton.

Furthermore, the fact that Aidan is gay was never an issue during the election.

I think that alone says multitudes about Hamilton and how far we've come.

Chris Farias, Kitestring Branding Studio

2. High School support

A very positive change I've seen in the city since my own lonely gay adolescence in Hamilton is the emergence of several high school support clubs for LGBTQ youth.

I've had the honour of meeting several of the young leaders in these groups. They are defining a new way to be Hamiltonian. Their work in fighting stigma and shame is tremendous.

The number of young LGBTQ Hamiltonians finding strength, love, sex, positive identity, and peer support within the city is inspiring.

Adian Johnson, Ward 1 Councillor

3. Organizational diversity

The City of Hamilton has a volunteer advisory committee on LGBTQ issues impacting the city. Last year this committee worked with the Board of Health to ensure the Public Health department received LGBT2Q Positive Space Training.

It was also a strong voice in stopping the city staff recommendation to amalgamate volunteer committees into one, arguing the need to have intentional tables where LBGTQ- related issues could be addressed.

Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton Police Services and the City of Hamilton each raised rainbow flags to mark Hamilton Pride Week this year. More organizations like Good Shepherd Centres and the YMCA have made these conversations happen at management level and throughout many of their departments.

Finally, the media has been increasingly covering LGBT2Q stories on a more regular basis and not just the high profile ones. Recent coverage on a trans woman stopped by an HSR security office from using the women's washroom was well done by CBC Hamilton's website and other mainstream outlets.

Deirdre Pike, LGBTQ activist