RICHMOND – BC NDP MLAs Kelly Greene, Henry Yao, and Aman Singh will be hosting the annual Richmond Pride and Inclusion Walk on July 27 in Steveston.

“I’m so grateful that we can walk together to honour and celebrate the hard-fought journey of 2SLGBTQIA+ people to live freely and openly,” says Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “The 2SLGBTQIA+ community includes people of all ethnicities, ages, abilities, and religions, and they belong here because they are a part of all of us. Richmond is made better when everyone feels welcome, safe, and has what they need to thrive.”

At the Pride Walk, people can expect to walk as a community to celebrate Richmond’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It is a free, open, and outdoor event that is taking place along the Steveston Boardwalk. The walk will kick off at 11am at the corner of No. 1 Road and Bayview Street, outside of Good Co.

“We celebrate Pride to say love is love, you are safe, and everyone belongs!” says Rishell O’Brien, a local parent. “I want my 2SLGBTQIA+ kids and others in the community to know that they are safe, loved and have community here in Richmond.”

“Recent examples of homophobia and transphobia in our community and across B.C. have underscored the need for events like this,” says Greene. “From transphobic speakers at school board meetings to attacks on drag queen story times, we need to stand together and show that hate has no place in Richmond.”

People can RSVP as attendees or as volunteers for the Pride Walk through MLA Greene’s website: https://www.kellygreene.ca/

In addition to hosting the Pride Walk, MLA Greene will attend the following Richmond Pride events:

• Pride Rocks on Monday, July 29, from 4:00-5:30 pm at Richmond Public Library (Brighouse Branch), 100-7700 Minoru Gate. Everyone is invited to paint rocks with everything rainbow! Hosted by the Teen Ambassadors, take the painted rocks home or leave them in places around the city to help pride up Richmond!

• Pride Picnic on Tuesday, July 30, from 6:00-7:00 pm at South Arm Community Centre, 8880 Williams Rd. Celebrate Pride Week with music, light refreshments and a variety of family-friendly art activities for all to enjoy.

• Pride Stairs on Thursday, August 1, from 2:00-5:00 pm at Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. Pick up a paintbrush and freshen up the Pride stairs with the Richmond Youth Media Program and 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups.