Article by Jason Setnyk | Submitted Photos
Cornwall, Ontario – Diversity Cornwall is gearing up for its most exciting Pride festival to date, with a week-long lineup of activities planned for the community. From a dazzling drag show and comedy performance to a watercolor art workshop and a Pride brunch, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The highlight of the festival will be the Pride parade and festival, featuring a vibrant celebration complete with BBQ, bouncy castles, games, drag performances, contests, and entertainment provided by The Socials. None of these events would possible without the generous support of the organization’s remarkable sponsors.
In a heartfelt statement, Liz Quenville, President of Diversity Cornwall, expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support received during what has been an incredible yet challenging year for the organization. Quenville noted the significant milestones achieved, such as hiring part-time staff, attaining charitable status, and securing an office space. However, she also acknowledged the rise in protests, homophobia, transphobia, and hate speech within the community. Despite these obstacles, Diversity Cornwall has persevered, thanks in large part to the backing of sponsors and the local community.
“This year has been both amazing and incredibly challenging for our organization. We have achieved goals that we have been working towards for many years, including hiring part-time staff, obtaining charitable status, and acquiring an office space. But we have also faced an increase in protests, homophobia, transphobia, and hate speech in our community. The fact that we are able to continue to offer our programs and services to 2SLGBTQ+ community members is a testament to the support that we have received from our sponsors and our community, and we could not be more grateful for their support,” said Quenville.
Diversity Cornwall aims to acknowledge all the exceptional sponsors who have made it possible for the organization to provide year-round programs and services, including the much-anticipated Pride festival. Among this year’s sponsors are the City of Cornwall, the Eastern Ontario Training Board, and Esca, who have demonstrated their commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity.
The highly anticipated Pride Parade and Festival is set to take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, in Cornwall. This lively event promises to be a joyful and empowering celebration of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, uniting people from all walks of life in support of equality and acceptance.
For those interested in registering as sponsors or volunteers or learning more about the Pride Parade and Festival, Diversity Cornwall encourages visiting their official website for further information.