Moncton Pride celebrations run September 6-14.

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Katie Hunter

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Live. Love. Be," heralds this years theme for Moncton's ninth annual Gay Pride celebrations. September 6-14 will see families, individuals and couples celebrating events all over town, with an intended focus on acceptance and inclusiveness.

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"It's about education," stresses Pride Chair Tina Hillier, when asked about the family-friendly schedule. "Children are a big part of our community and we need to see they're reached. We need to focus on educating our children, not only of gay couples, but of the community," says Hillier. "That's where you're going to sow the seeds of acceptance, is with the children." With a family swim at the Delta Beauséjour, a BBQ, disco bowling, soccer game, dog show, and the popular vivacious parade, families have plenty of opportunity to join in and celebrate their colours. Hillier states the family events also show another side of the gay community.

"You look at Toronto Pride, it's loud, colourful and a lot of fun, but the focus is on the extravagant participants. By incorporating family events, it shows we're like everyone else, we have jobs, we pay taxes, just like everyone else." The purpose of the week-long festivities is to raise awareness for more than just the local gay community.

"It might start with us, but there are all types of discrimination out there we need to be rid of, skin colour, disabilities, etc..., and people need not be afraid of something that's different." Last year's celebrations haven't been altered with much to produce this year's lineup of events. Although there are a few changes, Hillier says they keep activities mostly consistent with previous years as people enjoy the traditions.

'La Nuit en Rose,' is a new proposition introduced this time around, which encompasses not only the acceptance of the gay community, but is to be held in partnership to raise breast cancer awareness and support for the CIBC, Run for the Cure.

"We're going to help them for their cause and they're helping us at the same time," says Hillier. The retro-style party is a huge hit each year, which will unearth the pink boas and pink clothes for a night of dancing to '70s and '80s hits.

To mark the beginning of the week-long celebrations, the White Ball may very well be one of the opening highlights you shouldn't miss out on.

"During the year we have a colour party every month where we celebrate each colour of the rainbow," says Hillier. "When it comes to Gay Pride Week, the White Ball brings everything together and the symbolic colour brings it back to the beginning. It also gives you the chance to get that white pair of shoes in one last time."

Whether you take in the popular Pride parade or attend the non-denominational church service at Central United Church, your support goes a long way.

"With the events, we're trying to incorporate a large community whose lifestyles come from every scope you can imagine. We really need to include everybody for this." Attending these events, claims Hillier, makes the celebration serve its purpose for acceptance of all walks of life.

"Rarely in Moncton do we come up with any hate, but when that does happen you rise above it and there's more people who support us than are against us. The more you're out there and seek acceptance of who you are the more you're going to get it." Perhaps the most visible sign of the gay community is the multi-coloured flag perched on car bumpers, hanging from windows and dotted across people's homes. On Monday, September 8 the City of Moncton will be raising the flag at City Hall to resurrect the events for 2008.

"For me that's probably one of my favourite events because it's so uplifting to see our flag in the general community. Having the mayor and any other people who show up from provincial government and proclaim Gay Pride Week, and say 'yes, Moncton supports you and is here for you.' I get emotional every time."

To see the full list of events, check out the website at www.fiertemonctonpride.ca or check out next week's issue of [here] for more information.