Regina volunteers kick-off pride month by painting LGBTQ+ crosswalk downtown

In support of June being pride month, people in Regina are embracing the queer community through a crosswalk display.

On Sunday, volunteers of Queen City Pride painted the 2SLGBTQA+ flag on a crosswalk located between 12^th Avenue and Hamilton Street to show their support for the queer community in the city.

“By doing stuff like this, it seems like it’s a small thing, but it can make a huge difference just in someone’s day,” said Dylan Block, co-chair of Queen City Pride.

“Somebody passing by on the street is going to see that and it’s a huge deal for them, especially kids that are growing up you know in a conservative province like this where we’re one of the only provinces that has any type of anti-queer legislation,” he added, referring to the Government of Saskatchewan’s pronoun policy – also known as Bill 137.

With painting supplies needed for the art display, Block said the group was thankful to have local businesses reach out to them in support of the initiative.

“We love that it happened that way, usually it goes the other way where we reach out to them,” he said. “It’s a really cool trend to see how these businesses and organizations have been reaching out to us, to see how they can support us and help us.”

Despite receiving negative comments when painting the display downtown, members stood strong and continued to mark their colours.

Block shared how people can do their part to support the LGBTQ+ community, even as an ally.

“I want allies to know the power they have to support our community is unlike anything else ... I would say just support [them] to your fullest ability, almost make it annoying in a way,” said Block smiling.

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

“Avoid taking neutral stances, neutral stances are dangerous so just be unapologetically progressive and supportive to where you think it’s going to make people sick of you.”

Brown Communications Group and 1080 Architecture Planning + Interiors are the sponsors for the initiative.

On Sunday, June 7, volunteers will be painting the pride flag at the Cathedral Crosswalk.