Progress Flags are Flying High in Oxford County

Wednesday, 1 June 2022 at 13:36

Pride Month has officially started, with flag raising ceremonies in Woodstock, Tillsonburg, and Ingersoll.

OXFORD COUNTY - Pride Month has officially begun in Oxford County.

The Progress flag is now flying at Museum Square in Woodstock, at the South Broadway Parkette in Tillsonburg, and in Dewen Park in Ingersoll.

Speaking at the Woodstock ceremony this morning, Oxford County Pride President Tami Murray tells us about the importance of these flag raisings.

"Today means visibility, it means connection it means conversation. I think especially now, considering some destruction in our community, I think it means education and advocacy".

Ingersoll Mayor Ted Comiskey says the flag is all about being respectful to one another.

"The flag represents respect and we have to recognize that. We have to live together and we have to work together, so let's play together, have fun, and enjoy life while respecting others wishes."

Councilor Brian Petrie also attended the flag raising ceremony in Ingersoll.

"It's a great day where everybody can feel welcome in their community, show who they are and be proud of it. That's what it's all about because you should absolutely safe and be a part of your community no matter your race, religion, creed, sexuality or anything like that. We're all Ingersoll residents and we're all people so it's great to see people come together."

Local resident Crystal Cooper was very happy with the turnout at the Ingersoll flag raising.

"There are so many supporters who showed up today! With all of the recent hate with the flags, the vandalism of the crosswalk and the Norwich flags being stolen and vandalized, it just means so much to know there are still supporters here who love and support us."

The Progress flag is an updated version of the rainbow Pride flag, but it includes pink and blue chevrons for the transgender community and brown and black chevrons for people of colour.