The Town of Okotoks is looking to install a Pride crosswalk as a gesture of inclusivity to the LGBTQ+ community.

Okotoks Pride Committee member Tom Barker says the idea was discussed at one of their meetings in which two town employees were present, but the final decision ended up being a bit of a surprise to the committee itself.

"We got to talking about things that we can do to really show the community that we're here, we support you, and we're here with resources should anybody need anything. Especially in a pandemic... we got talking on the topic of a crosswalk, we talked and we chatted and we said 'it would be really nice to have one, maybe we should talk about doing it,' and it was just a conversation. Fast-forward to now, and what happened is that those two people from the town had gone back, started putting the wheels in motion, started talking to council members about it."

He says it's extremely encouraging.

"The town sort of took it upon themselves to show they're really interested and that they want to start being a part of these things, which is great and a bit of a 180, which we love to see."

Things like the location and installation are still being figured out.

Barker says even the design isn't final just yet, with some consideration over an intersectional Pride flag design.

"We want to make sure people in Okotoks who are anywhere within the LGBTQ+ community or family see that we're there for them, including our trans folks knowing we're here to support them, and then we also want to make sure that people of colour in our community know that we're here and we're with them, and we have resources to support them as well."

Recalling his own experiences growing up in Okotoks as part of the LGBTQ+ community, Barker says he hopes the crosswalk will act as a beacon of hope for younger people who may not feel safe at home or school, especially during the pandemic.

"It's really cool to see that the kids at home, have been at home and haven't left, where maybe they really value a GSA at their school and things like that, they get to go for a walk, still during a pandemic, and know that there's hope."

He says the committee has a few events and activities planned for Pride month, including a variety show and the Tales of the Town series, which will largely be digital events with accessibility in mind.

"This show and we as a committee are more accessible than we've probably ever been. With the variety show, they can watch it from home, or watch it in private, or watch it wherever they want to. We're making it really accessible for everybody."

The goal is to have the crosswalk installed near the end of June, capping off Pride month.

 

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