The 2SLGBTQIA+ Society of Lloydminster held a flag-raising and march on July 20 at Synergy Credit Union to mark Pride Week.
The group works hard to build safe spaces and raise awareness around inclusivity.
Read more: Pride Week highlights inclusion and community
“Queer people exist in Lloydminster and the surrounding communities,” said Joey Hurley, the group’s vice-chair. “But they’re kind of isolated, they don’t know we exist.”
Hurley explained many are afraid to show their true colours in the community. Pride Week events aim to change that.
“I hope events like this reach the people who choose to stay home, who feel unwelcome in their community,” said Pride ally and Synergy Credit Union’s manager of loan support, Kirk Hopko.
The rain-soaked event, held in Synergy’s parking lot, included a march, a flag-raising, live performances, a market and a story reading.
“Our credit union values are about inclusion and community building,” said a Synergy representative during the flag raising. “We can’t think of a stronger community than a place where every member feels safe and welcome to be out and proud.”
Hurley said the biggest fight is against misinformation.
“I find a lot of misquoted Bible verses sent our way. A lot of it’s from flaky news or Facebook posts,” he said, noting that misinformation often targets events for queer youth.
“People say youth shouldn’t be involved, but the youth want these communities. They want these connections.”
Hurley also said adults often build strength over time — youth don’t always get that chance.
“They are struggling through the same things we struggled through,” he said. “We want to make sure they have that safe space.”
Hopko said showing up matters.
“The more voices who say, ‘Hey, we’re just here, we’re just people,’ the more others feel brave enough to come out,” he said.
For Hurley and Hopko, the goal is simple: truth, safety and community.
“This is a bunch of people looking to feel welcome, safe and included in their community,” said Hopko.
“Take the time to educate yourself. Take the time to inquire and learn instead of just spewing hate,” added Hurley.
Read more: Pride week’s a go in Lloydminster
