Windsor-Essex residents have been invited to participate in a drive-by support event for those in the LGBTQ+ community affected by vandalism and violence.
In celebration of Pride Month, a Pride Community Hug Day will take place Sunday afternoon. With physical distancing necessary due to COVID-19 control restrictions, it will be a vehicle procession past two destinations, the Trans Wellness Ontario offices, and the Bergeron-Grundy household. Both locations had been the target of homophobic vandalism since the beginning of the year.
The procession is being organized by Windsor-Essex PrideFest, Trans Wellness Ontario, Windsor Pride Community, and Run For Rocky Legacy Project.
Participants are asked to meet in the north parking lot of Lanspeary Park at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The drive-by to the Bergeron-Grundy home will begin by 1 p.m.
All vehicles are welcome, along with bicycles, scooters, or anything on wheels that can continue moving at an acceptable pace without gathering. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, walkers and runners will not be allowed.
For those who want to rent a scooter, Bird Canada will have a supply of them available at Lanspeary Park to rent.
Organizers will also be collecting canned goods and other non-perishable food items, with some specific items being requested for clients at Trans Wellness Ontario. Hygiene products, toiletries, and gift cards will also be accepted.
For a complete rundown of donations needed by Trans Wellness Ontario, visit its official website.
The drive-by event comes on the eve of the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Inn uprising, believed by many to have sparked the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights movement.
