Annual flag raising ceremony marks the beginning of Capital Pride 2017
OTTAWA • Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson raised the rainbow flag at Ottawa City Hall today, marking the beginning of the 32nd annual Capital Pride week in the city.
“The City of Ottawa, a leader in LGBTTQ+ equity, is a progressive, diverse and inclusive city, and proud to recognize the important advocacy work Ottawa Capital Pride has done over the years, while fostering a safe and vibrant rainbow community within the National Capital Region,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The Capital Pride Festival is a great opportunity to highlight the contributions made by LGBTTQ+ communities everywhere, and acknowledge the progress that remains to be made at home and abroad.”
A week of celebrations
The flag raising precedes a week of festivities in the National Capital Region, culminating in the Capital Pride Parade on Sunday, August 27, 2017.
“This week, we celebrate with the LGBTQ2 community and its allies. “Just be,” the theme of this year’s celebrations, speaks to the festival’s goal of being a safe space for everyone. Canada’s capital city is in a position to be a leader for advocacy, education and celebration of the country’s LGBTQ2 communities and our Pride festival plays an important role in that,” said Tammy Dopson, the Chairperson of Ottawa Capital Pride.
Highlights of the week include the crowning of Mr./Ms./Mx. Capital Pride on Tuesday, a speech from this year’s Grand Marshal Candy Palmater and the annual Human Rights Vigil, both on Thursday. Sunday’s parade features performances by Mykki Blanco and the DJ Shub.
See the full festival line-up.
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