What was originally planned to be a small, school-wide pride event put on by the Aurora Gay-
Straight Alliance (GSA) club at East Three Secondary School has turned into a community pride
parade.
Jasmine Keogak, left, Jill Nugent, and Katelynn Crocker of the Aurora Gay-Straight Alliance
club at East Three Secondary gear up to host their first-ever pride parade in Inuvik April 21.
SA国际影视传媒淲e had envisioned a small event, and then since presenting it to town council, thereSA国际影视传媒檚 been
overwhelming support and itSA国际影视传媒檚 becoming a lot bigger than we originally planned,SA国际影视传媒� said Jill
Nugent, the GSASA国际影视传媒檚 supervising teacher.
Katelynn Crocker, member of the GSA and pride organizer, said the event started out as a pride
walk that would happen at the school. Now, community members have volunteered to build
floats, speak at the event, and more. Crocker said they were really happy with the way their
proposal has been received.
SA国际影视传媒淓verybody has been really supportive. It made me super excited. After we presented at council,
there has been such a good response,SA国际影视传媒� Crocker said. SA国际影视传媒淣ot just from the council, but from a lot of
people from the community and even from Yellowknife. People have been congratulating us and
saying theySA国际影视传媒檙e proud of what weSA国际影视传媒檙e doing.SA国际影视传媒�
The pride parade will feature a keynote speaker, a pride walk, and a free barbecue. Nugent said
theySA国际影视传媒檙e working on the paperwork to close down a town street for the parade.
Crocker said she hopes the parade will bring the Inuvik community together.
SA国际影视传媒淭he town has not always been very inclusive or tolerant towards people of the LGBTQ+
community,SA国际影视传媒� Crocker said. SA国际影视传媒淭his will be opening up a new chapter and just really connect
everything together, so instead of having that division that has always been there, weSA国际影视传媒檙e more of
one big group.SA国际影视传媒�
The GSA aims to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in the school as well as their
allies. They meet every Tuesday after school in Ms. NugentSA国际影视传媒檚 classroom. On Feb. 9 and 10, the
GSA will be traveling to Tuktoyaktuk to support the Rainbow Day event held by the Mangilaluk
SchoolSA国际影视传媒檚 GSA club.
Crocker said they hope to make the pride parade an annual event.
