COURTENAY, B.C. – It was a proud day at North Island College’s Comox Valley campus.
As part of Pride Week in the region, NIC president John Bowman and Jake Awai, a transgender nine year old whose mother works at NIC, raised a rainbow flag during a short ceremony on campus.
“Raising the pride flag at our Comox Valley campus is an example of how we demonstrate support for LGBTQ+ students, employees and community members,” said Bowman, who spoke about the importance of the flag and openness in fighting homophobia.
The college will also raise the flag for the first time at its Port Alberni campus tomorrow (July 25) while staff at the Campbell River campus celebrated their first pride flag raising on June 22.
Pride Week continues Thursday morning with Drag Queen Story Hour at the Courtenay Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
In collaboration with the Vancouver Island Regional Library, this new event will feature Miss Vikki, who will read her favourite picture books to kids.
This is the first event of its kind for the Pride Society of the Comox Valley, in an effort to support gender diversity and literacy.
Later Thursday, Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar is hosting a Burger & Beer event from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Come in and enjoy your choice of a glass of wine or pint of beer with a Prime burger or house meatball pasta for $20.
With every burger/pasta meal, $5 will be in support of the Pride Society of the Comox Valley.
The week culminates Saturday with Pride in the Park.
The final event of Pride Week, sponsored by Thrifty’s, will be held at Simms Millennium Park from noon to 5:00 p.m.
All are invited to this family friendly, all-inclusive BBQ fundraiser featuring live music, community partner information booths, a children’s bounce and activity tent and burges and hotdogs.
