Town partnering with local students on Pride Month poster project

Downtown businesses asked to display posters for month of June

Visitors to downtown St. Marys will soon have an opportunity to learn the history and meaning behind 11 different LGBTQ+ flags, thanks to the efforts of local students.

A Grade 7 class from St. Marys DCVI is creating a series of posters about the flags that represent different groups within the LGBTQ+ community. These same flags will adorn banners on the light posts in St. Marys’ downtown as part of the Town’s Pride Month celebrations.

The posters are intended to educate residents and tourists about the various flags that will be displayed on the banners in the month of June. The idea to have students create the posters came from Grade 7 teacher Kristin DeBrabandere.

“When I heard about the Town's initiative to display the Pride banners for the month of June, I knew I wanted to get my students involved,” says DeBrabandere. “By creating the posters, we have had the opportunity to deepen our understanding of various gender and sexual identities to better understand and be more inclusive in our classroom and school community.”

She continues: “We all have gender and sexual identities. We hope other members of the community will take the time to view our posters and educate themselves so we can create a stronger and more inclusive St. Marys.”

To protect the posters from the elements, the Town is asking downtown business owners to volunteer to display the artwork in their windows. The posters are 11 x 14 inches in size and should be kept in the window for the entire month of June.

Business owners who would like a poster for their window can email communications@town.stmarys.on.ca or call 519-284-2340, ext. 432.

Further details about Pride Month activities in St. Marys will be shared in the coming weeks. Watch www.townofstmarys.com and follow the Town on Facebook (@stmarysontario), Twitter and Instagram (@townofstmarys) for more information.

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For media inquiries:
Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca