A pride flag was raised at Confederation Building today to mark the beginning of St. John’s Pride Week and to celebrate the diversity of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A group of daycare children were in attendance for the ceremony. Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Pam Parsons says it is important for children to learn about being inclusive.

She says children are the future so it is crucial that they learn about inclusion and equality from a young age.

St. John’s Pride Cochair Finance, Ryan Gosse says this week is all about bringing people together after a few tough years for the province, the board of St. John’s Pride, and the LGBTQ+ community.

He says there are a number of events for all ages scheduled throughout the week, including the St. John’s Pride Parade at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Goose says this year’s parade is going to be bigger than ever before, with over 150 groups participating. He is encouraging everyone to come out and celebrate pride week.

More information can be found on St. John’s Pride’s website.