Mayor Ashe’s Official Statement on Supporting Pride and EDI

At last night’s Council meeting, the City of Pickering passed a motion in support of Pride events and all Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives across the City and Durham Region, in honour of Pride Month and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through this motion, the City also reaffirms its commitment to advancing respect and inclusion for all 2SLGBTQIA+ community members and allies. The motion passed 6 - 1 on a recorded vote.

“I am proud that Pickering Council made a strong statement about supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the tenets of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are also aware of a recent video circulating online and corresponding commentary, and denounce all forms of homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and bigotry directed at the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and equity-deserving groups.

As Mayor, I want to be clear and unequivocal.  Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights is about building a stronger and more inclusive community, rather than creating a hierarchy or oppressing other groups. By advocating for the rights of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, we demonstrate our commitment to equity and respect for all community members. Embracing the diversity within our community and ensuring that everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice is a core value that strengthens the fabric of our city.

Advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights enriches our community by fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, and understanding for all. By standing together, we can create a community that celebrates the unique identities, perspectives, experiences and contributions of each resident, promoting unity, harmony, and a brighter future for everyone.

I look forward to our community coming together throughout June in celebration of Pride Month.”

Kevin Ashe
Mayor, City of Pickering

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 105,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.