StudentsseekPrideevent

Dr Charles Best Secondary has a classroom that is so colourful, the sun makes rainbows when it shines through the windows

And that’s the idea as members of the school’s Gay–Straight Alliance (GSA) meet weekly in the space decorated with Pride flags to discuss LGBTQ2S+ issues at the Coquitlam school

Now, however, the students want to take their mes- sage of love and support for the queer community to city hall in hopes the municipality will fly the Pride flag and host an event to mark Pride month in June Students have written letters to councillors and plan to make a presentation at council on Feb 27 to gain support for these initiatives

Teacher Megan Leslie, who sponsors the club, said students have done a lot of research and talked to other groups and wonder why some cities will fly the flag, and others don’t

For example, Port Coquitlam and New Westminster follow suit and host Pride events, but Coquitlam doesn’t

“The students need somewhere local to celebrate Pride,” said Leslie Grade 10 Best student Arjun Khera agreed, noting others shouldn’t have to travel outside of their community to attend a Pride event

“They shouldn’t have to go there alone,” he said

The students also believe that flying the Pride flag and hosting a Pride event would show the community that Coquitlam council supports LGBTQ2S+ people, especially young people

“There’s so much hateful rhetoric out there and attacks by protesters

A statement by city council would tell the community that these comments are not acceptable,” said Samara Szylowski, a Grade 11 student

Students told the Tri-City News they see a festival as a place to go to be with others who share share a common bond and solidarity with LGBTQ2S+ people

“A Pride event creates a sense of community and a feeling of support, especially for youth who are struggling with their identify,” said Megan Murphy, a Grade 12 student

“It gives this big show that [the city] will support them, no matter who they are”

While the students don’t have financial means to put on a big Pride event them- selves, they said they have lots of experience organizing Pride events for their school

They would like to be part of a planning group to organize a Pride event in the community

“I would be happy to volunteer,” said Szylowski

If such an event were held, other groups might be inspired to hold their own festival to raise awareness, suggested Nixyte Tsai, a Grade 10 student

“It could pave the way for other marginalized groups,” Tsai said

Students offered experience with doing “back stage work” and other organizing talents to get a festival underway

All they need is the willingness of Coquitlam council to support their cause

While Coquitlam does have a policy that limits proclamations and flying flags, it is working on a plan to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)