Pride recognition events have expanded provincewide to include Yarmouth, Halifax, Port Hawkesbury and Sydney.

The provincial government’s LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) Network organized the events.

“We take it to heart that Pride will be celebrated in more communities than ever before,” said Maddi MacDonald, co-chair of the LGBTI Network.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at Province House in Halifax today, June 26, with government employees, community members, allies, volunteers and supporters in attendance.

“We’re here to celebrate the diversity of the province’s employees, and all Nova Scotians,” said Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard, on behalf of Public Service Commission Minister Labi Kousoulis. “The province is committed to improving diversity and inclusion, including across sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and gender expression.”

Additional Pride ceremonies are taking place today at provincial buildings in Yarmouth, Port Hawkesbury and Sydney. Community partners in Sydney include the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Pride Cape Breton and the Ally Centre of Cape Breton.

The LGBTI Network is a group of public servants from diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and sexes, as well as their allies and advocates, who seek to make the public service a positive and inclusive environment for all.

The flag-raising also provides a beginning to a summer of Pride events. This year’s celebration of culture and diversity runs from July 16 to 26. For more information visit http://halifaxpride.com .

Source: Release