It takes a village to raise a flag
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.
