A Pride organisation in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada has vowed to replace a series of vandalised signs after more than a third of its display boards were damaged within days of being installed.
Lakefield Pride said at least five of the 12 signs it erected around the community for a week-long awareness campaign had been vandalised.
The group, which organises the annual Lakefield Pride Picnic and works to promote visibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in the town, said the incident was about more than damaged property.
In a statement, organisers said Pride signs serve as a visible reminder that LGBTQ+ people are part of the local community and help reassure young people, families and residents that they are welcome.
“Pride signs are a visible reminder that 2SLGBTQ+ people are part of this community,” the group said. “They tell a young person questioning who they are that they are not alone. They tell families that they are welcome.”
Lakefield Pride argued that the deliberate destruction of the signs also targeted the message of belonging and acceptance they represent.
“When Pride signage is deliberately damaged, that message is being targeted too,” the statement continued.
Founded in 2021, Lakefield Pride has become a fixture of the community calendar through its annual Pride Picnic, which brings together local residents, performers, community organisations and supporters for a day of celebration and visibility.
Despite the vandalism, organisers said they would not be deterred.
“While whoever did this may have thought they were tearing something down, they have reminded us exactly why Pride is still necessary,” they said.
The group plans to replace the damaged signs and continue its outreach efforts.
“We’ll put the signs back up. We’ll keep showing up, keep standing together, and keep making our presence visible.”
Lakefield Pride ended its message with a defiant response to those responsible.
“You can tear down a sign but you cannot tear down the community behind it. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. 2SLGBTQ+ people belong here, Pride belongs here, and we are not going anywhere.”
The incident prompted messages of support on social media, with many community members backing the group's commitment to maintaining a visible LGBTQ+ presence in Lakefield.
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