Why the Pride flag continues to fly at the White Rock detachment

White Rock

2020-10-19 09:01 PDT

For Pride month in June we attached the Pride flag to the front of the White Rock detachment, but why have we not taken it down? We decided that the flag was not just about showing support and inclusivity, it was about being approachable, responsive, accepting and compassionate - regardless of who a person is. This is how the White Rock detachment treats all diverse communities, not just the LGBTQ2S+ community, and the flag is one way to genuinely say welcome, we are here for you.

In the nearly five months that it has been flying, we have had a very positive response, said Staff Sergeant Kale Pauls, The one time I had someone question the ‘professionalism’ of us promoting the Pride flag, I got on my soapbox and provided a lecture on the universal needs of authenticity, attachment, and acceptance. This person didn’t have a response, however I was glad their mind was provoked into thinking beyond their limited view of Pride.

As part of our ongoing proactive effort to ally with our LGBTQ2S+ friends, in November 2019 we launched the Safe Place program in White Rock to promote places within the business community for the LGBTQ2S+ community to feel safe in a time of need.

October 15, 2020 was also the launch of Project Rainbow by the RCMP to further celebrate and promote acceptance, diversity and inclusiveness both within and outside the RCMP.

Our Pride flag still remains up and will continue to do so for a little while longer.

Rainbow pride flag flying at White Rock Detachment