Kindersley Composite hosts second annual Pride Parade
By Jordan Parker
Kindersley Composite School took to the streets last week to celebrate Pride Month, holding their annual Pride Parade.
Run and organized by the school’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance, the high school saw plenty of students, administration, teachers, parents and more out to show their support.
“This was done by a group of students who wanted to bring awareness to LGBTQ rights and things going on in the world,” said Michael Reece, Teacher and GSA Advisor at Kindersley Composite.
“They wanted a parade to give representation and raise awareness and education around LGBTQ issues.”
They invited their own school as well as Elizabeth Middle School to take part, and saw an encouraging showing of supporters. Reece is happy to see progress and representation at the school.
“The GSA started last year. I was approached by students who had interest in getting one going, and I was happy to head it up with them. We have about 15 kids that come to meetings. We started doing them once a month, and now we meet twice a month,” he said.
“It’s just a good, safe space for students to come be themselves, express themselves, and talk about things that don’t regularly come up in their lives.”
Reece was honoured that the students chose him as someone they could approach to get things going.
“I was a big advocate for LGBTQ rights. I have a boyfriend and all my students are aware. I was flattered they asked me and trusted me,” he said.
“They had faith in me, and wanted me to be a part of it. I’d never run a GSA before, and Out Saskatoon guided me. You just have to ask what the kids want, and build it from there.”
He said administration and the district have been nothing but helpful with bringing things to fruition.
“They’ve been very supportive. They’ve been open in discussions, respectful about concerns. I’m so appreciative, and I get opportunities to have PD days like the GSA Summit I went to in the fall,” he said.
“It was focused on how to run one, and it was interesting to meet with others doing it. When I asked about this, there was no question. They knew there was a need and that kids would benefit.”
Reece is a hometown boy, and is acutely aware of what it can be like to grow up in Kindersley as someone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“I have a first-hand experience of growing up where people aren’t as open and being part of the community might be taboo. This is a huge step forward in getting people to have conversations,” he said. “Even if some talks are negative, at least discussions are happening and things are being evaluated.”
The parade consisted of a drumline of students from Reece’s school band, as well as police up front.
“We felt safe. We had music and noise. A smaller percentage of the high school came, but it was better this year than last year. Elizabeth School came with over 100 kids,” he said.
“Each kid needed a permission slip signed to allow them to take part, so it’s nice to see parents supporting the parade. We walked down the Main Street in Kindersley, and businesses were outside with flags waving. It was nice to see the support.”
Non-school officials like the Minister of the United Church and mental health advocate DJay McGrath were on-hand as well.
“We had so many supporters. I don’t think I realize how big things like this can be for our community sometimes,” he said.
“When adults are marching with them, students can build their resolve. Last year, some kids didn’t march because they weren’t gay. So we get to discuss things like what allies are, and educate.”
He says it’s important to be open and vulnerable, and though his work is challenging, he ultimately finds it rewarding.
“You have to move things forward in a methodical way. We have to ease people into things,” he said. “Some might think we’re being too loud and proud, but essentially that’s the history of queer culture and parades. We need to continue to make sure we have a voice.”