Building a safe, inclusive community
“Communities are better, stronger and safer when everybody is included,” said Amanda Lightbody, founder and president of The Rainbow Crosswalk. The organization is a community-based, non-profit Pride organization in Woodstock and the Upper River Valley area.
In keeping with its mandate to engage all types of community members and partners to create a community that supports its 2SLGBTQ+ citizens, the non-profit organizes various Pride events.
This year, Woodstock’s Pride month celebrations were held during the last two weeks of June and included the town’s first drag story time – one for children and another for adults – and its first queer craft market.
“We just want to create a safe place for people,” said Lightbody. “Pride is pride in self, pride in the community. With it being homophobic here for so long, people need a safe space. We’re thankful there are allies here.”
The Rainbow Crosswalk was incorporated in June 2023, but it was too late to plan Pride events that year, so 2024 was Woodstock’s first Pride.
“Our first year was just asking, seeing what worked,” Lightbody noted.
She noted that providing things they don’t usually do and catering to different age groups within the community were priorities this year.
“We’re seeing a lot of people coming out, not just people from the queer community – it’s allies, too,” said Lightbody. “More than 80 people came to the drag show party on June 20. I saw some people I’ve never seen, others we hadn’t seen in a long time… just having a blast.”
Due to a host liability insurance requirement and other factors, The Rainbow Crosswalk has not yet held a Pride parade in Woodstock. However, they plan to participate in Fredericton’s Pride parade on July 12 and this year’s Old Home Week parade.
The Rainbow Crosswalk’s co-founder and treasurer, Kristie Killam, said Pride benefits the community.
“Woodstock is a small town,” explained Killam. “I grew up in a small town. People grow up and move out. If you’re queer, you move out twice as quick. Maybe Woodstock can become a place that holds young people, provides reasons to stay, so the town is not just a launching pad.”
Allison Taylor volunteered at the June 21 Queer Crafter Market.
“Pride means I have a home here, a reason to be here, a safe place,” she said.
The Rainbow Crosswalk takes its name from the rainbow crosswalk in downtown Woodstock that was vandalized in 2017, prompting a community protest.
“Pride is definitely still a protest here,” said Sarah LaRose, board member at large with The Rainbow Crosswalk, adding, “I haven’t been a part of (The Rainbow Crosswalk) for very long and I’ve been a part of many firsts.”
Among new developments, the non-profit recently established Western Valley NB PFLAG, part of PFLAG Canada, intends to help 2SLGBTQ+ people and loved ones connect with resources and find a supportive community.
