“Colourful Happening” 2.0 - Here to stay!

May 17, 2022

May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. This morning, the LGBTQIA2S+ flag was raised at Edmundston City Hall. A simple gesture, but one that demonstrates the open-mindedness and open-heartedness of the people who live here. May 17th 1990, was when homosexuality was removed from the mental illnesses list by the World Health Organization (WHO), a milestone for human rights. Despite this positive change and several advancements over the years, there is still a lot of work to be done. In Canada, young lesbians, gays and bisexuals are four times more likely to attempt suicide than young heterosexuals, because of the different forms of discrimination and violence they experience.

Last year, the 2021 Colourful Happening, a brand new community activity, raised awareness among citizens of the realities of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Together with members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, several citizens of all ages came to paint the Arts Centre’s pedestrian crossing in the colors of the rainbow. The City of Edmundston is proud to announce that this activity, which was a huge success last year, will take place again this year!

In collaboration with its community partners, the City of Edmundston, Gris Acadie, Université de Moncton campus d’Edmundston, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and Edmundston Youth Secretariat, will identify a pedestrian crossing each year to be revitalized in the colors of the rainbow. Citizens of the City of Edmundston are therefore invited on Saturday, June 11th, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., to come and paint the pedestrian crossing linking the Fraser Marina to the Bill-Turgeon Stadium, site designated for the "Colourful Happening 2.0 ". An invitation to celebrate differences and diversity in our city, where people of all ages and genders are welcome and HERE TO STAY!

This colourful "Happening" aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA2S+ realities, whose young people, more often than not, move to large urban centers, where their differences are more celebrated and accepted. It can also contribute to the evolution of sexual and gender diversity youth as well as older citizens, and for Edmundston to become an exemplary ally of the LGBTQIA2S+ cause.

On Saturday, June 11th, whether you are a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, an ally, or simply believe in equality, come and give the pedestrian crossing a colorful brushstroke between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.!

Note: In case of rain, the event will be postponed at the same time, the next day, Sunday June 12th.

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CONTACT: Annie Dancause, Communications, City of Edmundston, 506.739.2085, annie.dancause@edmundston.ca