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Counter-Protest Shows Pride At Catholic Board

Thunder Bay, ON, Canada / Country 105 | Thunder Bay's Country
Colin Redston
Jun 1, 2021 | 4:52 PM
Counter-Protest Shows Pride At Catholic Board

Counter-protesters wave signs at members of "Parents as First Educators" driving past TCDSB offices. (Staff Photo)



Pride was on display as a protest and counter-protest played out at the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.

Around a dozen members of the Catholic group that the board identified as “Parents as First Educators” circled the block, displaying signs opposing the TCDSB’s decision to fly the rainbow pride flag later this month.

They were outnumbered by around 50 people who support the Board, including Rainbow Collective President Jason Veltri, who says it was a great way to start Pride month.

“Pride is inherently political, and it’s a protest. It started in New York City with Stonewall, and here we are continuing this, 52 years later. We’re still here having to protest for our rights and acceptance in the world, not just in Catholic schools,” Veltri says.

He notes it shows both how far the church has come, and that the fight is not over.

“We have more work to do, and that the Catholic faith has a lot of work to do in moving to an acceptable stance within the faith,” he points out.

Counter-protester Liz Boyes says things have changed for the better since her time growing up in the Catholic and Christian faiths, but echoes Veltri’s feelings.

It’s really too bad,” she says. “it’s really sad that their minds are not changing and that they’re not accepting people for who they are.”

She was happy with the turnout as people waved pride flags and “Pride Lives Here” signs at the protesters passing by.

“The queer community has brought it today, and we’re very happy, and proud, and representing,” she says. Members of the crowd also chanted “We’re here, we’re queer, accept us,” at the vehicles.

The TCDSB is set to raise the flag on June 14th, and says in a statement that it “does not judge or exclude, and always show[s] love and compassion.” It’s one of seven Catholic boards in Ontario flying the rainbow flag.

In a statement, Thunder Pride Association Chair Ashley Moreau voices their support for the Board.

“We knew it was important to rally support from our community and our allies. Right away, there was a response from Thunder Pride advocates and members, calling out to the community to meet at the Board Office and show support for the flag being raised,” Moreau says. “It was a proud moment for us all.”