By Adam Ophus

"We see you"

Progress Pride flag to be painted in front of Rocky library

Jun 9, 2021 | 11:47 AM

The Progress Pride Flag will be depicted outside the Rocky Mountain House Public Library.

On June 8, Rocky Mountain House town council approved a request from Rocky Pride to paint a portion of concrete outside the library in the Progress Pride flag’s design, with a depiction of two feathers representing Two-Spirited people.

The progress Pride flag incorporates a five-colour chevron into the well-known rainbow flag to recognize transgender, non-binary and BIPOC people, while the Two-Spirited inclusion celebrates Indigenous people within the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Rocky Pride representative Hayley Hellum told council that rainbow installations across the province are becoming more common.

“Like other communities, this would be a visual demonstration of Rocky Mountain House’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

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She referenced research done by Eleanor Formby from the Sheffield Hallam University in the U.K. that says visibility, social acceptance, and affirming spaces give rise to feelings of connection and belonging to a community.

“What may seem like some silly colours, actually says, we see you.”

The group noted they had already acquired the necessary funds and labour for the project through the generosity of friends, donors, partners and community members. The Evergreen Co-op donated 12 gallons of paint and the the students of West Central High School’s SAGA group donated $138. They also noted that there will be no cost to taxpayers for the project.

“Unfortunately there has been vandalism in other communities and some had to repaint up to three times in a year.”

Hellum said that they are prepared for the possibility, and have volunteers committed to the ongoing upkeep, and for general wear and tear.

It was in February of last year that town council unanimously voted to ban conversion therapy in Rocky Mountain House. On Tuesday, the vote was unanimous once again to allow the painting project which Rocky Pride is calling Diversity Park.

The painting will take place this Sunday at 1 p.m.