Pride flag flies in Valemount

By Spencer Hall

In what may be a Valemount first, a pride flag was raised next to Home Hardware in honour of Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQIA2S+ community and their fight for equal rights.

The flag raising comes after Valemount resident Mandy McMinn approached Home Hardware owner Jason Vanderwilk, who agreed to display the flag for the month of June.

“I really did not consider the impact this could have for many people in our community. I have not experienced the level of unwarranted discrimination and despair that many go through life dealing with,” Vanderwilk told the Goat.

“I have always taken people for who they are and the character they represent in our interactions. I fly the flag to show that everyone is welcome and that everyone will be treated with respect and dignity here as humans, no matter their circumstance.”