Stony Plain Raises New Inclusive Pride Flag in Recognition of Pride Month

Stony Plain, AB

The Town of Stony Plain proudly raised the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag in front of Town Hall earlier this week in recognition of Pride Month. The new flag, raised on Monday afternoon, replaces the traditional Rainbow Pride Flag that has been flown in previous years and reflects the Town’s continued commitment to building an inclusive and connected community.

The Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag builds on the original Rainbow Pride Flag, which was introduced by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The rainbow symbol was created to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Over time, new designs have been created to include additional identities and experiences such as the Transgender Pride Flag (1999), Intersex Pride Flag (2013), More Colour More Pride Flag (2017), and the Progress Pride Flag (2018). The Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag, designed by Valentino Vecchietti in 2021, incorporates the arrow shaped design from the Progress Pride Flag representing transgender identities and people of colour, along with a yellow triangle and purple circle to represent intersex individuals. This inclusive design aims to foster unity, visibility, and belonging for all.

In 2024, the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill and is now recognized as the official Pride Flag of the federal public service of Canada. While there is no formal directive from the federal or provincial government requiring the use of a specific Pride Flag, this version has become a widely accepted symbol of inclusion and progress across Canada.

“Raising a Pride Flag each year is an important gesture to the LGBTQIA2S+ community that you are seen, valued, and welcome in Stony Plain,” says Mayor William Choy. “It’s one of many ways we demonstrate our commitment to being a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for everyone.”

“Replacing the Rainbow Pride Flag with the updated Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag is a step forward for inclusion and belonging in Stony Plain,” adds Youth Development Coordinator Terrance Smith. “Updating our flag is one way we can ensure people feel seen and welcome within our community.

In addition to the flag raising, the Progress Pride Flag crosswalk in front of Town Hall was recently repainted in celebration of Pride Month. To stay informed about events happening in Stony Plain, visit the Calendar.

To learn more about the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag, and other version of the Pride Flag, visit Pride Flag - Canada.ca.