A rainbow flag is now flapping in the breeze outside St. John’s City Hall, marking the beginning of the annual St. John’s Pride Festival.

A flag raising ceremony was held yesterday featuring music and an indigenous smudging ceremony.

Morgan Jessiman with Quadrangle NL says perspectives around pride are changing for the better, and Pride Week is something many in the community look forward to all year.

She says each pride event becomes more historic, as they honour and celebrate those who were on the ground floor of the pride community, and were unable to celebrate.

“At this point in queer history, I think it’s more important than ever to show love and pride and courage for all the people before us that couldn’t do that,” she said. “So this Pride Week, all of the Pride Weeks, become historic just because we are courageous enough to still be here.”