June Is Pride Month

PRIDE

June is Pride month and once again Oxford County will have many events recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride. Unifor has been a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ issues and has been a Platinum sponsor of Oxford County Pride since 2016. This year our Pride Dance will be at the Local 88 hall and I cannot express how proud I am of this moment. 29 years ago it would have been almost laughable at the thought of a Pride dance at our hall. When we gained same-sex benefits in 1992, I recall one person clapping and it wasn’t me. I recall cheering inside but the thought of guilty by association was enough to keep this closeted guy quiet. Heck even our CAW Gay and Lesbian caucus would not acknowledge bi-sexual or Transgender members at that time. We have grown as a Union over the years and I am proud to have been a part of that movement. So, I think it’s fitting to close out my 30 years with a Pride dance at our hall.

We have an amazing DJ lined up who is from Ingersoll and our host is Miss Drew who will also perform a couple times throughout the evening. Also being planned is a silent auction and liquor/wine bottle fundraiser. The door prize is a $500 gift certificate from Endless Boundaries tattoo. Ned Burwell is a very well-known tattoo artist in this area. Tickets are only $5 and we hope to see some members out to join us.

We are also having a table at the Family Day in Woodstock at Museum Square from 11 am until 4 pm. We can always use volunteers, Text Phil at 519-504-0506 if you are interested in helping out. We will be marching in the London Pride parade on Sunday July 28th. Gather at the fairgrounds at 10:30 and the parade starts at 12:30. As always Unifor also marches in the Toronto Parade so, Come March with us!

• Toronto pride parade June 23

• London pride parade July 28 parade starts at 12:30

• Tri cities pride June 2 at 12pm

In Solidarity and Pride,
Philip Vandermolen

Allan Fisher