Pride-themed crosswalks in Lethbridge, Canada, have faced repeated vandalism, sparking outrage and concern within the community. These vibrant crosswalks, adorned with the Pride and Transgender flags, were initially painted in celebration of Pride Month but were targeted just days before the town’s annual Pride Fest. The crosswalks were defaced with skid marks, tar, and even manure, which highlights a troubling pattern of intolerance.
The first incident occurred on June 12, when the crosswalks were marred by “blatantly deliberate” skid marks, closely mirroring a similar act of vandalism in Saskatoon earlier that month. Organizers of the Pride Fest deemed this act a direct assault on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the Transgender community. Just two days later, the crosswalks endured further degradation with the addition of tar and manure, prompting swift action from city workers to clean the mess.
June marks national Pride Month, and many cities—including Houston and Atlanta—have embraced the spirit of diversity, love, and acceptance by painting their crosswalks with Pride flags. Notably, Lethbridge made history by being the first city globally to feature a Transgender Flag on a city crosswalk.
Levi Carter, last year’s chair of the Lethbridge Pride Fest, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in fostering a message of celebration and inclusion. He shared on social media, “We will have our biggest parade and gathering we have ever had.” Despite the hateful acts of vandalism, the community remains optimistic. “We at Lethbridge Pride Fest recognize these actions are from a small group of intolerant individuals. They do not represent Lethbridge as a whole, which is known for its inclusivity and support,” said community member Mia Thompson.
Devon Hargreaves, the current chair of the Lethbridge Pride Fest, emphasized that these acts do not reflect the community’s sentiments. The festival has received significant backing from local leaders, businesses, and the mayor, with several establishments pledging a portion of their proceeds to support the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Week. Hargreaves also noted the Lethbridge Police Department’s proactive involvement in treating these incidents as hate crimes, reinforcing the importance of Pride events in fostering understanding and acceptance.
The Lethbridge Pride Fest, which kicked off on June 16, will run until June 24, culminating in a grand Pride Parade. Hargreaves stated, “This will not deter us. It will only inspire us to work harder, be louder, and take greater pride in our community.” Ultimately, love will triumph over hate.
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Summary
The vandalism of Pride crosswalks in Lethbridge, Canada, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Despite these acts of intolerance, local leaders and community members are rallying together to promote love and inclusion during Pride Month.