Mychol Ormandy, program coordinator for OUT Jasper and recent recipient of the Share the Spirit Ambassador award, was almost at a loss for words as he pulled the chain, raising the flag into the sunny sky.
“I am speechless and tongue-tied, actually. I can’t believe that it actually is happening. It’s a big day,” he said.
Ormandy approached council about raising the flag and was pleasantly surprised when the town agreed. He said having the rainbow in the sky signifies the community’s support and acceptance.
“Jasper is one community. It doesn’t matter, gay or straight, black or white, whatever you are, Jasper welcomes everybody. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Adding to the excitement for Ormandy was the presence of Mayor Richard Ireland. “I had no idea the mayor was going to be here,” he said. “It was quite an honour to have him here.”
“This represents that in this community we’re interested in equality,” said Ireland before the flag went up the pole.
Following the ceremony, which attracted 15 members of the community, a second rainbow flag could be seen flapping in the wind over Whistler’s Inn.
“We’re making history,” said Ormandy, with much delight.
International Day Against Homophobia was created in 2003, as a special day to recognize the homosexual experience. It falls on May 17 in recognition of the World Health Organization (WHO) removing homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses on that day in 1990.
To further honour the day, OUT Jasper had a barbecue at Lake Annette, where the community was welcome to enjoy dinner and games in the sun.
