Members of the South Simcoe Police Services raised the rainbow flag on Wednesday afternoon in honour of Pride Month, recognizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"Today we witness change and evolution for the members of South Simcoe Police," said Constable Nicole Kostiuk, who is also a member of the newly-formed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI) with South Simcoe Police Services. "This is a historic first for the station in raising the rainbow flag. United with members of the community who self-identify as members of the LGBTQQIP2SAA (lesbian, gay, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit (2S), androgynous, and asexual), pride month is a celebration for the generation who fought tireless battles to be seen, recognized, and accepted. To have the same rights and freedoms, and to be treated as equals."
Kostiuk thanked their policing partners and members of the DEI Committee who attended in person, and in spirit. She also thanked the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Barrie Police, York Regional Police, the Town of Bradford, the Town of Innisfil, and members of Innisfil Pride who all attended the flag-raising.
“Today is about acceptance,” she said.
“It’s so awesome to see this many people celebrating this event with us today,” thanked Chief Andrew Fletcher of the South Simcoe Police. “We want to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our organization by hosting this event today and raising this flag. But it goes beyond just recognizing it. We want to embrace the equity and promote the inclusiveness and respect for all, starting both internally, and then moving externally as we take small steps to make people feel embraced and included throughout our organization… it has to be more than just words here at the podium, it has to be steps, physical action that we’re taking to make that change, actions like raising this flag today.”
Chief Fletcher added that the newly formed DEI committee will provide support and recommendation for action and plans and programs to move the organization forward. So far this year, the DEI committee has already undertaken three different projects, divided into three sub-committees:
The first commitment will be to identify, establish, and review diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs. The second focus will be to develop tool kits of information about all diversities, cultures, and communities, and to have a calendar of festivals and events where the community can come together and celebrate.
“And the last will be to promote a respectful and inclusive work environment through events and awareness… where we truly are supporting members of our diverse community and those of the LGBTQ+ members of our service,” stated Chief Fletcher.
“This is absolutely amazing,” shared Jake Tucker, a member of Innisfil Pride who was invited to attend the flag-raising by South Simcoe Police Services. “We were so happy to be involved with this.”
Tucker shared Innisfil Pride will be expanding to the South Simcoe Pride Network and notes that it has been difficult to have individual small towns running events and joining this network will make things a little easier.
The ceremony concluded with a tasty rainbow cake and cupcakes made by Cristina Guarini, owner of Crisari Cakes.
To learn more about Pride month, visit: www.innisfilpride.com
