A huge success for the first ever Dryden Pride Day. There was a large community turnout for opening ceremonies at City Hall and a parade through town to Cooper Park on Saturday. BJ Maggrah is one of the organizers and he delivered a powerful and emotional speech about the prevalence of bullying and harassment in society over the LGBTQ community. He says as a child he always questioned if people would hate him or would his family hate him for who he was. Maggrah mentioned how he always feared about being teased or bullied. His message to everyone was “to rise above it!” Maggrah says he prevailed from his fears and criticism and became the “person he is today”, with a college diploma, a great job and great friends. BJ thanked his mom and dad for their on-going support. The event was mainly a celebration of the local LGBTQ community, with even some representation from a woman from Petawawa. All of the speakers talked about the pride that is being shown in Dryden and the importance of recognizing everyone. The event also included speeches from Kenora MP Bob Nault, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell and Dryden Chief Administrative Officer Ernie Remillard. CKDR News will feature their comments on Monday as part of our on-going coverage on the first ever Dryden Pride Day. A rainbow flag will continue to fly with the City of Dryden flag at City Hall.
First ever Dryden Pride Parade. Well done organizers!#drypride pic.twitter.com/kHsHHGA4UY
— @ckdrnews (@ckdrnews) June 10, 2017
Emotional speech from bj maggrah to end “official” ceremony first Dryden Pride Parade#drypride pic.twitter.com/qzps6f5Jyy
— @ckdrnews (@ckdrnews) June 10, 2017
Opening address at first Pride Day in Dryden #drypride #firstnationsblessing pic.twitter.com/fZjzcAIgQH
— @ckdrnews (@ckdrnews) June 10, 2017
