Windsor-Essex Pride Fest will be five days of celebration

Windsor Pride Festkicked off five days of celebration and fun-filled events Wednesday morning with a flag raising ceremony at city hall.

• Windsor Essex Pride Fest kicks off at city hall

The annual festival has been growing every year, and is important for several reasons, according to event president David Lenz.

"It's a place wheresomebody who is gay, lesbian, trans or basically any member of the LGBT+ community can come and celebrate who they are with people just like them or people who support them," he said.

Although society'sattitude towards LGBTpeople seems to be changing, Lenzsaid there's still a need for a sense of community and understanding, especially in rural areas where young people may not be surrounded by support.

"If your parents aren't happy and you don't have friends like you ... you're a little isolated," he explained.

With that in mind, the organization plans to focus some of their future efforts on reaching out to LGBTyouth in the county.

"Those are the ones that don't have transportation or their families aren't comfortable with their situation," said Lenz."So that's why we're trying to get out there."

The festival presidentadded he was beaten up during his high school years for being gay and said he's hoping to use his experiences to help others.

"With all of the things that happened to me I'm trying to make a difference for other people that don't have a voice."

For more information, about Pride Fest visit the event website here.

Windsor-Essex Pride Fest2017

Wednesday, Aug. 9

• 10:30 a.m. Pride flag raising at City Hall Square

Thursday, Aug. 10

• 7 p.m. Pride bowling at Rosebowl Lanes on Dougall Avenue

Friday, Aug. 11

• 6 p.m. Pride lawn bowling at Jackson Park
• 7 p.m. Untoxicated at Pride Fest Office
• 9 p.m. Glitterball at the Rondo

Saturday, Aug. 12

• 11 a.m. Marketplace at the Riverfront Festival Plaza, featuring entertainment, food, vendors and more
• 8 p.m. Glow Party at the Riverfront Festival Plaza

Sunday, Aug. 13

• 11 a.m. Pride Fest Parade kicks off from the corner of Ouellette and Elliott and heads North on Ouellette
• 12 p.m. Pride Day and Marketplace at Riverfront Festival Plaza