This year was the first pride for Southern Alberta’s, Taber community. 2017 marked the first time the pride flag was raised on a public flagpole in Taber.

Jayce spoke with GayCalgary on behalf of Taber Pride and shared some of the highlights of festivities. ‘We had many vendors including Lethbridge Pride Fest, OutReach Southern Alberta, McKillop United Church, Arches in Lethbridge, Safe Haven Women’s Shelter and much more.  We had stage performances from many local performers including Haley Platt, Salem Salem (the Drag Queen), Girl Power, Wild Bill Lawson, and others’. Pride was a family friendly event, with face painting, glitter tattoos plus treats for young and old.

For Jayce, the most memorable and touching moment was the flag raising ceremony.  Seeing the Pride flag flying proudly for the first time in Taber was special. Seeing all the small children playing and having fun, with their parents setting a good example of acceptance and inclusion.  Being able to see and feel all the love in one place.  Also, being able to witness Taber’s first public drag performance by Salem Salem.

"Pride Events are so important. For both the LGBTQ community, and for this generation. They give us an opportunity to come together as a community and share in each other’s stories and experiences.  These events give each one of us a safe place to express ourselves.  But I think most importantly we can raise awareness in the public, start conversations, and open up peaceful dialogue.  Celebrating Pride has pushed Taber forward. Taber is now a part of something bigger, the Gay rights movement, and has made a step towards being a safe inclusive community", boasts Jayce.

"I am most proud of the Flag Raising Ceremony and seeing history being made.  There were many wonderful speeches that touched hearts and moved people to tears. The love and acceptance were overwhelming as I watched the flag being raised.  Words cannot describe how I felt", shares Jayce.

Pride was met mostly with positive responses, but unfortunately there was some resistance which resulted in a test to the communities’ LGBTQ courage. Jillian Demontigny of the Taber Equality Alliance released a statement to media sharing, ‘her group was notified Sunday that a police officer noticed damage to the flag and scorch marks up the flagpole while driving past Confederation Park’. Demontigny says they’ve been told gasoline was used to light the pole on fire, partially melting the flag. She says the group raised their original flag on June 12 when they held the town’s first Pride party in the park, and it was supposed to continue flying until the end of the month. That flag was stolen, so they raised another one in its place. Taber Police have been helpful and are taking the offence very seriously.

The LGBTQ community in Taber will refuse to back down and let sour grapes spoil a tremendous step forward in Alberta Pride.

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Contributor Lisa Lunney |

Locale Taber |

Topic Gay Pride | Taber Pride |