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The Pride flag was raised as a “beacon of hope” in front of city hall as Pride Week kicked off on Friday at noon.

The flag-raising at city hall, and another at the University of Calgary, symbolize the start of Pride events and parties around the city that celebrate diversity, inclusion and support for the LGBTQ community.

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“It’s a beacon of hope and a place where people can see themselves reflected and that is immensely powerful,” said Amelia Newbert, a transgender and LGBTQ advocate.

When Newbert spoke to the group gathered for the event, she explained why a Pride flag-raising matters to the community.

“Our actions matter. Standing together does matter and for every one of those one-in-two trans youth who are sitting out there … contemplating suicide or can’t reach out to a single person because they think they’re alone and not deserving, or that no one will understand or thinking it doesn’t matter. Raising this flag says it does matter, you matter, you are valid and you are loved. That is why we are here today.”