Celebrating Pride Month 2025: Embracing Identity, Inclusion, and Allyship

At Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland, our mission is rooted in helping youth reach their full potential through supportive mentoring relationships — and that includes affirming who they are. Many of the youth we serve, as well as our mentors, staff, and community members, identify as part of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community.

We know that young people thrive when they feel safe, accepted, and seen. Pride Month is a powerful reminder of our role in building that kind of environment — not just in June, but all year long. By championing diversity and inclusion, we help create spaces where every young person feels empowered to show up as their authentic self.

Honouring the 2SLGBTQAI+ Community

Pride is a time to celebrate love, resilience, and identity — and also to recognize the ongoing work needed to combat discrimination and inequality. We proudly stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQAI+ communities and continue to advocate for equity across all areas of our work.

We’re especially proud to uplift the voices of 2SLGBTQAI+ youth and ensure they are represented, included, and supported across our programs and in our community.

Spotlight on the Updated Pride Flag

This year, we’re also highlighting the updated official Pride flag, as announced by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). The Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag is a powerful symbol that reflects the diversity of gender and sexual identities and the ongoing push for intersectional justice. You can learn more about it here.

This flag helps remind us that Pride is both a celebration and a call to action — one that includes all members of the community, especially those whose voices have historically been excluded.

Taking Action and Showing Support

In honour of Pride Month, we encourage everyone in our Big Sisters community — from staff and volunteers to partners and supporters — to celebrate in ways that are meaningful and visible. That might include:
• Adding the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag to your email signature
• Attending local Pride events
• Engaging in conversations about allyship and inclusion
• Listening to and uplifting 2SLGBTQAI+ voices

Every action, big or small, helps build a world where all youth feel supported and respected.

Our Commitment, Year-Round

Pride Month may be one month on the calendar, but our commitment to equity and inclusion lasts year-round. Whether we’re matching youth with inclusive mentors, offering staff training, or reviewing our internal practices, we’re constantly working to ensure that our programs reflect the diverse identities and lived experiences of our community.

This Pride, and every day, we celebrate the courage, joy, and strength of 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals — and reaffirm our commitment to standing with them.

Happy Pride from all of us at Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland! 🌈