Kenora Pride organizer aims to empower LGBT youth

Superior Morning7:15Kenora Pride 2015

It's a celebration of diversity. And it's the first event of its kind in Kenora. We'll hear about that city's Pride weekend.The city of Kenora, in northwestern Ontario, is gearing up for its very first pride weekend, taking place June 26-28.

Celebrations will include a flag-raising, picnicand march.

Organizer Wynne DeGagne said the event is an opportunity for Kenora to rally around the LGBT community especially the young people.

"I started an LGTB support group in February and... a lot of the people that attend are youth," said DeGagne.

"Just listening to their stories and how they feel about growing up in the community ... it made me feel like it's time that Kenora ... showed its support so thatall the young people growing up feel accepted and included in the community."

DeGagnesaid young LGBT people deserve tofeel comfortable simply being themselves.

DeGagne said the pride celebration, which is sponsored by the Northwestern Health Unit, is already getting a lot of support from the community of Kenora.

Submissions sought for storytelling evening

One of the highlights of the event will be a storytelling evening on Saturday, June 27, said DeGagne.

Submissions are being sought from anyone who wishes to share a personal story or poem about their experience living as LGBTor as a supporter of thatcommunity in northwestern Ontario.

More information about the events, and submitting stories, can be found on the Kenora Pride 2015Facebook page.