Pride Month

Four people walking across the rainbow crosswalk at City Hall in Coquitlam

Be Here. Be You. Belong.

Pride Month takes place each June to recognize the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, a turning point for the U.S. gay liberation movement. Today, Pride Month is a time to champion freedom and equality and to recognize the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ2S+ community, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and two-spirit people and any people who identify as part of sexual and gender-diverse communities. 

As we look ahead to summer-long Pride celebrations locally, and throughout Metro Vancouver, we invite everyone to join Coquitlam in supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ community. Such actions, both privately and publicly, help to denounce discrimination and hate in order to further allyship in our vibrant and diverse community. Allyship is not a one-time action, it is a journey of support, learning and commitment. This is a journey that Coquitlam, as an organization, is also embarking on with purpose, while keeping the safety of our residents and community top of mind.

The Rainbow as a Symbol of Pride

Starting June 1, Coquitlam will showcase its support for the LGBTQ2S+ community by flying the Pride flag at City Hall and displaying over 115 Pride banners across the city, including Town Centre Park, City Centre, Poirier civic precinct and various city facilities. These flags, alongside the rainbow-coloured lighting on Pinetree Way and the enduring rainbow crosswalk on Burlington Avenue, symbolize the City’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Since the late 1970s, the rainbow flag and colours has been a universally recognized symbol for Pride that reflects both the diversity and the unity of the LGBTQ2S+ community. While the design has evolved over time, the Pride rainbow has remained an enduring symbol of support and celebration. To learn more about the rainbow Pride flag, its origins through designer Gilbert Baker and its history, visit glbthistory.org/gilbert-baker.

Local LGBTQ2S+ Support Resources

Some of the local resources and supports available include:

Tri-Cities Pride Society

The Tri-Cities Pride Society (TCPS) was formed in September 2017 to advocate for and serve the LGBT2SQ+ communities in the cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam. Led by an elected board of directors, the TCPS aims to help make the Tri-Cities more inclusive and safer for the LGBT2SQ+ communities through advocacy, social events, education and consultation. Find out more and how you can support at tricitiespride.ca.

Coquitlam Champions Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Year-Round

Participation in Pride Month is part of Coquitlam’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and fostering a welcoming environment both within the City government and the community. As an organization, Coquitlam is on a journey to better serve our vibrant and diverse community by applying the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to guide the City's policies, operations, language and services. EDI work aims to break down barriers to ensure that everyone—regardless of ability, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation and other diversity characteristics—is able to live, work and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment. To deepen your understanding of EDI, and its significance, we invite you to visit coquitlam.ca/EDI.