The proposed rainbow crosswalk may be small, but it has had wide reaching effects in Bordertown.
Pride St. Stephen is organizing its first ever Pride Parade today, meeting at 3:30pm at the former Price Chopper parking lot, and peacefully marching down King Street, to the walking trail. The group will then move on to Chocolate Park via the trail, avoiding construction on Milltown Blvd.
Sue Weatherby, who is a member of the LGBTQ community and an organizer with Pride St. Stephen, says the group is still a newborn. “It’s like-minded individuals who want to send the message that St. Stephen is an inclusive town. The rainbow crosswalk may be a minor symbol, but it is still a symbol that our community is inclusive.”
Weatherby says the crosswalk is essential for the youth in this town. “Gee, if you’re an LGBTQ youth, you need that symbol to tell you that you are not ostracized from the community. Because heaven knows, there are lots of signs to these young people that being gay or lesbian is not ok. They can use whatever support they can from their community.”
St. Stephen Town Council had originally scheduled another presentation from the St. Stephen Middle School in mid-November. Yesterday, the Town announced a special Town Council meeting has been called for 4pm today, with the only agenda item being the rainbow crosswalk. They are expected to vote on the matter.
The announcement will be made at Chocolate Park following the vote.
