OUTniagara
  • Menu Canvas
    • Our Community
      • Membership – Join us!
      • Community Groups and Organizations
      • OUTfriends Business & Services Directory
      • Humans of OUTniagara
      • 2SLGBTQ+ Community Fund
    • About Us
      • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
      • Meet Our Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Resources
      • Indigenous Solidarity Resources
      • Beyond the Rainbow Resource Syllabus
      • OUT IN Niagara Education Resources
    • DONATE
    • Informed, Inclusive, Indivisible: Collectively Advancing 2SLGBTQ+ Equality in Niagara+
    • Sidebar
Uniting Niagara's Sexual and Gender Diverse Community.
OUTniagara
  • OUR COMMUNITY
    • Membership – Join Us!
    • Community Groups and Organizations
    • Humans of OUTniagara
    • Indigenous Solidarity Resources
  • ABOUT US
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Meet Our Staff
    • Annual Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Indigenous Solidarity Resources
    • Beyond the Rainbow Resource Syllabus
    • OUT IN Niagara Education Resources
  • Donate
  • 2SLGBTQ+ Community Fund
  • Informed, Inclusive, Indivisible: Collectively Advancing 2SLGBTQ+ Equality in Niagara+
    • Community Strengths & Needs Assessment

It takes a village to raise a flag

Homepage News Niagara News It takes a village to raise a flag

It takes a village to raise a flag

outniagara
May 28, 2021
Niagara News

It takes a village to raise a flag

OUTniagara recognizes that for every gain made, much credit should go to individuals who work behind the scenes to make the world a better place, and who eschew the spotlight for their efforts.

Tim Chalmers is one of those people. Tim’s proud brother, Patrick, brought Tim to OUTniagara’s attention the day after the Niagara Catholic District School Board voted to fly the rainbow flag for one week in June this year.

Tim is a teacher at Saint Francis Secondary School in St. Catharines. Despite threats and criticism, he has worked tirelessly for a decade with the school GSA and done equity work as well. Tim mentioned to his principal, James Whittard, months ago that it was his dream to see the rainbow flag raised at NCDSB headquarters and schools. The principal took the wish to the board, and also praised Tim and his GSA, his passionate work, advocacy and perseverance.

“I am so thrilled about the flag,” Tim told OUTniagara. “The flag being flown is something I have always wanted, but the real credit for getting that motion passed should go to my principal, James Whittard. He really went above and beyond to advocate getting that passed at the board level.

“He has supported everything I have done to support LGBTQIA students at our school.”

Patrick, also a teacher in the NCDSB system, is justifiably proud of brother Tim.

“I just thought it was important people know that his work with LGBTQ students has been imperative to this flag and has saved many student lives… I know how hard it is to do this work, but he has gone beyond what most would do.”

OUTniagara also acknowledges the efforts of Pride Niagara. In 2005, OUTniagara arranged with the City of St. Catharines to raise the first rainbow flag in Niagara, and since then Pride Niagara has persuaded other municipalities, Niagara College, Brock University, Niagara Regional Police, and the District School Board of Niagara to follow suit. The organization also contributed to convincing the Catholic board to raise the rainbow flag.

Despite pandemic restrictions, Pride Niagara is forging ahead with virtual flag raisings on June 1 beginning at 10 a.m. Check out Pride Niagara’s Facebook page for more Pride Week activities.

Tags: Diversity and Inclusion Pride flag Pride month
Previous Story
Niagara Catholic board votes to fly Rainbow Pride flag
Next Story
June is National Indigenous History Month

Related Articles

OUTniagara withdraws support from Canada Summer Games

OUTniagara is withdrawing its support from the Canada Summer Games,...

OUTniagara thanks donors who stepped up during Pride Month

OUTniagara thanks donors who stepped up during Pride Month OUTniagara...

Become a Member

Stronger together. Join our growing network! Become a member and join a vibrant and diverse community of 2SLGBTQ+ and ally voices.


Become a Member

Recent Posts

  • OUTniagara looking to work with Consultants Friday, 28, Oct
  • Join the OUTniagara Regional Advisory Committee! Wednesday, 21, Sep
  • OUTniagara withdraws support from Canada Summer Games Sunday, 31, Jul
  • OUTniagara Statement regarding Roe vs. Wade overturned Friday, 24, Jun
  • OUTniagara is hiring a Project Assistant! Tuesday, 7, Jun

Categories

2SLGBTQ+ History Community Groups Global News Humans of OUTniagara News Niagara News OUTnews OUT With It Support

Search


OUTniagara supports our local 2SLGBTQ+ community and beyond by amplifying the voices of our community, acting as a public policy advocate and helping to build relationships within the community.

Get In Touch.

12-111 Fourth Avenue, Suite 270
St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3P5
Email: info@outniagara.ca

With Thanks.

Web hosting and technical support by ALT Technical.

Sign Up for Email Notifications.

[newsletter_form button_label=”Sign Up Now”][newsletter_field name=”email” label=”” placeholder=”Please Enter your Email”][/newsletter_form]

Follow Us:
OUTniagara - Copyright 2018.
SearchPostsLoginCart
Friday, 28, Oct
OUTniagara looking to work with Consultants
Wednesday, 21, Sep
Join the OUTniagara Regional Advisory Committee!
Sunday, 31, Jul
OUTniagara withdraws support from Canada Summer Games
Friday, 24, Jun
OUTniagara Statement regarding Roe vs. Wade overturned
Tuesday, 7, Jun
OUTniagara is hiring a Project Assistant!
Friday, 3, Jun
OUTniagara: Kudos to Niagara Catholic school board for flying progress pride flag

Welcome back,