Pride Month

Four people walking across the rainbow crosswalk at City Hall in Coquitlam

Be Here. Be You. Belong.

Pride Month takes place each June to recognize the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, a turning point for the U.S. gay liberation movement. Today, Pride Month is a time to champion freedom and equality and to recognize the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ2S+ community, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and two-spirit people and any people who identify as part of sexual and gender-diverse communities. 

As we look ahead to summer-long Pride celebrations locally, and throughout Metro Vancouver, we invite everyone to join Coquitlam in supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ community. Such actions, both privately and publicly, help to denounce discrimination and hate in order to further allyship in our vibrant and diverse community. Allyship is not a one-time action, it is a journey of support, learning and commitment. This is a journey that Coquitlam, as an organization, is also embarking on with purpose, while keeping the safety of our residents and community top of mind.

The Rainbow as a Symbol of Pride

Since the late 1970s, the rainbow flag and colours has been a universally recognized symbol for Pride that reflects both the diversity and the unity of the LGBTQ2S+ community. 

Throughout June, Pride flags will fly across Coquitlam, including in Town Centre Park, high-traffic routes in City Centre and Poirier civic precincts, and at City Hall, with the support of Coquitlam City Council and thanks to the leadership of the student-led École Dr. Charles Best Gay/Straight Alliance. The Pride flags are a visual representation of the City’s support for the LGBTQ2S+ community, along with the rainbow crosswalk that was painted on Burlington Avenue near City Hall in 2017 through the advocacy of local community members. The City will also be lighting up Pinetree Way in June with the rainbow colours of the Pride flag.

While the design has evolved over time, the Pride rainbow has remained an enduring symbol of support and celebration. To learn more about the rainbow Pride flag, its origins through designer Gilbert Baker and its history, visit glbthistory.org/gilbert-baker.

Celebrate Pride with Learning and Fun

Join friends, family and neighbours in supporting and celebrating local Pride activities. Mark your calendar for these upcoming all-ages events in July:

  • High-energy LGBTQ2S+ dance band Queer as Funk, kicks off the City of Coquitlam’s 2023 Summer Concert Series on Friday, July 14 at the Town Centre Park Community Plaza with two sets of funk, soul, Motown classics and contemporary pop. 
  • Coquitlam Pride at Evergreen on Saturday, July 15 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre will offer artmaking activities, family storytime, Pride history, artist visits and more. Presented in partnership with Coquitlam Public Library, Coquitlam Heritage Society and Place des Arts, with funding support from the City of Coquitlam.

Another way to enhance inclusivity and highlight your support for allyship for the LGBTQS2+ community is through education. 

Local LGBTQ2S+ Support Resources

Some of the local resources and supports available include:

Tri-Cities Pride Society

The Tri-Cities Pride Society (TCPS) was formed in September 2017 to advocate for and serve the LGBT2SQ+ communities in the cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam. Led by an elected board of directors, the TCPS aims to help make the tri-cities community more inclusive and safer for the LGBT2SQ+ communities through advocacy, social events, education and consultation. Find out more and how you can support at tricitiespride.ca.

Coquitlam Champions Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Year-Round

Participation in Pride Month is part of Coquitlam’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and fostering a welcoming environment both within the City government and the community. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community. To deepen your understanding of EDI, and its significance, we invite you to visit coquitlam.ca/EDI.