A Rainbow Bench has been installed in Bracebridge’s Memorial Park and along with it a strong message of inclusivity.
It was unveiled Friday during a small ceremony at 1 pm.
“There are actually seven benches being installed throughout the District of Muskoka,” says Mervin Taylor-Morin, President of Muskoka Pride.
The others include ones in Lake of Bays, Wahta, Gravenhurst, Port Severn, Huntsville, Bala, and Georgian Bay. Wahta and Georgian Bay have also asked for one more bench each.
$11,500 in funding was supplied by the District and Muskoka Pride to pay for all the benches, which, with their rainbow flag colors are symbolic of inclusivity.
“That’s what Muskoka Pride is all about – inclusivity and gender issues,” says Taylor-Morin. “This bench represents all the Queer community, which includes all genders, all gender types, all gender designations, and expressions – as well as straight people, so it represents everybody.”
In the coming weeks, Progress Flags will also be flown at area Town Halls, ready for the beginning of the Muskoka Pride Festival in July.
Photo (from left) Muskoka Pride Secretary-Treasurer Glen Yacula, Treasurer Shawn Forth, and President Mervin Taylor-Morin via Matt Sitler, Country 102.
Happy Pride Month! @muskokapride and the Rainbow Bench Project was one of many great projects supported by the District's 2021 Community Enhancement (CE) Grant program. pic.twitter.com/RXcrJmjT6r
— District of Muskoka (@DistrictMuskoka) June 17, 2022
