'Small But Mighty Group' Leads Walk Against Homophobia

Saturday, 16 May 2015 06:48

Rainbow Coalition working to stamp out homophobia.

OXFORD COUNTY – Supporters from Oxford County took to the streets in an effort to raise awareness leading up to International Day Against Homophobia.

Walkers hit the roadways in Woodstock for the 3rd year and Tillsonburg for its 2nd annual event to make Oxford a safe environment for all. Director of Community Support for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Pat Baigent, spoke with Heart FM to discuss the significance of May 17th.

"The Oxford County Rainbow Coalition likes to show our support to stamp out homophobia in Oxford, and show Oxford to be a welcoming inclusive community and safe to all citizens."

A 'small but mighty crowd' was the term used to spread the word in one of the best way possible to stamp out homophobia in the county. Baigent discussed why they host the event has taken place for the past several years.

"I think to raise awareness and show that many people want Oxford County to be inclusive and safe community for all people. I just really feel that we need to be out there and proud and show our support."

Baigent is excited on how the awareness has spread but the public can do more to end the negative image attached.

"I'm hoping that people will see us out there and that people from the LGBT community will see us and know there are people that support them. We just love the diversity in Oxford County and we want to promote that."

Southside Park will also be the site of the Rainbow Coalition's next gathering called Picnic in the Park in the middle of June.

RT @patbaigent: Stamping out Homophobia and transphobia in Tillsonburg. Oxford Rainbow Coalition @cmhaoxford pic.twitter.com/stJ2rvC3Sv
— CMHA Oxford (@CMHAOxford) May 15, 2015

CMHA staff walk to stamp out Homophobia and Transphobia @cmhaoxford Oxford Rainbow Coalition #Antihomophobia2015 pic.twitter.com/W4onkStb18
— Pat Baigent (@patbaigent) May 15, 2015