MORELL, P.E.I. — Four years ago, Donna Glass raised the first Pride flag in Morell.
This year, her business, Kingfisher Outdoors Inc., hosted the community’s first Pride event, the Pride Paddle from 2 - 6 p.m. on Aug. 2.
Offering discounted kayak rentals, Glass hoped to make a rainbow on the river.
Though not affiliated with Pride P.E.I., Glass recognized a need in Morell to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and let them know they’re accepted.
“Most people know and love a friend or family member who belongs to the LGBTQ community and I think for too long, especially rurally, people who grew up feeling different in any way often left.”
The idea for the day had been floating around in Glass’ head since opening up the business for the season earlier in July, she said.
“I could see the Pride flag every time I put out kayaks.”
The afternoon was hot, with a heat warning in effect for the Island, but a couple brave souls went out on the water.
Devan Myers drove out from Charlottetown to take a kayak for a spin.
Normally, Myers would jump in the parade in the city, so she was thankful for an activity to do in support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“Usually I am (participating), I’m in the parades, but this year has been so different, so this is the one thing I can kind of do.”
For Myers, an event like Pride Paddle can make a big difference in a small place, she said.
“A lot of these small communities are still so sheltered.”
Leroy Pineau was with Myers and he came out for a simple reason.
“To support a community I’m proud to be a part of.”
While not an official part of Pride P.E.I., Glass reached out to the organization P.E.I. two weeks ago but started the process too late to be included.
Undeterred, she went to Wild Impulse and bought as many small Pride flags as she could, along with some bandanas for her staff. The flags were given away to everyone who went for a paddle.
Looking to next year, Glass wants to get a start on planning sooner and hopes to be a part of Pride P.E.I.’s official schedule.
As for why Glass flew the flag in the first place and why she started the Pride Paddle this year, she had a simple answer.
“It thought it was time. It was definitely time.”
