SPRINGDALE, N.L. — The St. John’s Pride board of directors have chosen the students from the Indian River High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) of Springdale to be its Grand Marshals for the 2018 Pride Parade.
The announcement was made via press release Thursday.
The Springdale youth were put in national spotlight when media reported council in Springdale denied its request for a rainbow crosswalk on a street near the school. Council and people of the town came under widespread scrutiny for the decision and online comments and media reports that followed.
In the press release, the board of St. John’s Pride expressed how impressed they were with the students for standing up for themselves and fellow students. It exemplified the pride movement, the statement signed by Derek Semerad, co-chair internal of St. John’s Pride, stated.
“Lasting change comes not from tolerance, nor from reactive actions to save face, but from proactive motions to celebrate, educate and advocate,” Semerad stated. “St. John’s Pride Inc. is humbled by the drive for inclusivity and representation championed by the Indian River High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance and hopes they will continue to lead the way for the province as we all strive to be kinder and better alongside one another.”
The members of the Indian River GSA are humbled and honoured by the invitation, according to the press release, and are looking forward to the celebration.
“We are encouraged by the love and support our group has received over the past few months,” the statement attributed to the school’s GSA read. “We hope it motivates others to build a sense of belonging, pride and inclusion in their own communities — recognizing not only the struggles but the contributions of LGBTQ2S+ persons.”
Previous coverage:
- Springdale council denies request for rainbow crosswalk from Indian River High's Gender Sexuality Alliance
- Road trip to a town divided: How Springdale really feels about the rainbow crosswalk controversy
- Springdale students give presentation on rainbow crosswalk, council to review its request
- The emotions behind the scenes of the rainbow crosswalk controversy in Springdale
- Newfoundland celebrities roast Town of Springdale for rejecting rainbow crosswalk
- Woman behind Baie Verte rainbow crosswalk surprised by controversy in Springdale
