WESTLOCK – In addition to sharing their Pride next month, Westlock’s LGBTQIA2S+ community, including students and staff with R.F. Staples School’s Thunder Alliance, will be sharing a splash of colour when they gather to paint the Town of Westlock’s first rainbow crosswalk June 18.
Members of the school’s gay-straight alliance (GSA) and Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) are partnering to paint an existing crosswalk on 106 Street in front of the town office and the Royal Canadian Legion. The request to host an event downtown came in early May after the Thunder Alliance and FCSS discussed the idea and brought it before town councillors via a letter at their May 8 regular council meeting — the event has been confirmed for June 18 at 10 a.m.
Coun. Jon Kramer noted how the event will contribute to the development of positive relationships between council, non-profit groups and organizations, stating that
he was “happy to see the door open” and pointed to the example of the inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Day event in Westlock in 2022. “As far as even Truth and Reconciliation Day, when those things happen, relationally, organically it’s a success, it’s a win and I think that’s what we’ve got here now, the way it’s been presented,” said Kramer.
He also recommended moving the date from the original request of June 17 to June 18.
“That’s a busy day,” said Kramer, noting Lemonade Days and Clyde Summer Solstice that same Saturday “In speaking with FCSS, they’re open to the 18th as well, the Sunday if that works.”
“We had this discussion the other day about it and that was the suggestion too, that if we could go to the Sunday because Saturday is such a busy day and it’s also a busy traffic day downtown,” added Coun. Randy Wold, who was acting mayor at the meeting. “I encourage all councillors to attend if you’re able to.”
Pembina Hills School Division student and family advocate Heidi Mills said the rainbow crosswalk will be a permanent feature downtown that will provide awareness.
“The crosswalk itself is essentially a symbol of inclusivity for the whole community, I think,” said Mills. “It’s a symbol to represent and to hopefully gather people together to show that the town is accepting, that there’s representation for inclusion, that all members of the town are important. That piece of inclusion is I think one of the biggest parts and the crosswalk is just symbolic of that.”
Mills noted that other communities have painted rainbow crosswalks to show support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community and it was something they wanted to do with students and staff during Pride month. Having that support from the community including allyship is an important part, noted Mills because “it offers that safe foundation for anybody who is different, to feel safe.”
“For the Thunder Alliance this year, it’s been important that we build this sense of community,” said Thunder Alliance teacher lead Nicky Vranas. “The students really want to be in the community and meeting people so (others) can see them and see how great they are.”
Vranas, who goes by the preferred pronoun of they, said that students are looking forward to painting the crosswalk and pointed out the importance such an event downtown.
“Junior high and high school is a tough time in general but for our queer community here, it can often times feel a little bit isolating so to be able to do this project in the community makes them feel like they’re part of the community,” she said. “It makes them feel cared for and so they’re very excited to do this.”
Although there was an informal LGBTQIA2S+ alliance prior to COVID-19, the GSA was officially formed at the school in 2022 and today has more than 40 members including students and staff.
“The Thunder Alliance is first and foremost a safe and welcoming space for any and all students who need a community to support them,” said Vranas noting the group host events, connect as a group and helps develop leadership among students. “We seek to create greater awareness about the issues and the unique experiences that are faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within our school. Our goal is to create a school community where all students feel welcomed and supported regardless of their orientation or identities.”
Mills said they provided several design options for the rainbow crosswalk, which will represent the Pride flag and the LGBTQIA2S+ community of Westlock. It will also include the meanings of the colours and of the LGBTQIA2S+ acronyms. “We do feel like the education piece is also an important part of this crosswalk too,” said Mills.
