Statements

Brantford Pride 2018 Statement

“Brantford Pride is committed to centering the voices and lived experiences of those who are most marginalized in our communities. After much reflection, feedback and discussion, the Brantford Pride Committee will continue with our request of no formal police participation in Pride festivities and events for 2018. We ask that no formal uniform, banners, flags or any other representation of Police or RCMP be present during Pride events throughout the year. We strongly encourage individual officers to be present during Pride events as members of the community or as allies, but without police representation. We would like to formally thank the police officers in our community who attended Brantford Pride in 2017, and respected our request of no uniforms, signage or weapons – we are incredibly grateful for your attendance and support.

Throughout history, and to this day, police have targeted members of the 2SLGBTQ+, specifically those who are racialized, Indigenous, trans or non-binary. For many, police uniform and other material representations symbolize violence, oppression and genocide. It is our responsibility to recognize this violence as a lived reality for many within our community and on our committee, and strive to make our events safe(r) and more inclusive.

We stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter Toronto, Toronto Pride and other Pride committees throughout Turtle Island who are actively challenging racism, colonialism and cis-normativity, and thus creating a safe(r) environment for all members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

To provide further context and education, Brantford Pride will be facilitating the creation of an art project with community members that explore and celebrate the diversity of our identities and lived experiences. More information will be released as it becomes available.”

#BlackLivesMatter #BlackTransLivesMatter #BlackQueerLivesMatter #Decolonize #ThisIsStolenLand