Our early years: A Pride Picnic
Our early years: Cake Cutting
Pride in the Highlands, formerly Minden Pride, is a volunteer-run, non-profit Haliburton County organization operating as a part of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative. We're comprised of local business owners and residents.
OUR
MISSION
is to provide an opportunity
for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people and their allies to celebrate our culture, heritage and diversity by nurturing a safe community where everyone is welcome.
Our annual week-long festival in August celebrates the diversity of Haliburton County's vibrant community, and helps promote our organization's message of dignity, respect and inclusivity for all.
Volunteers Jim & Bob at our Pride Tent
Festival goers Strike A Pose for Pride
Sharing our Pride in 2024: Everyone is Welcome
OUR
history
Our community came together in 2016 after the tragic nightclub shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando and a senseless act of vandalism in Haliburton Village when a storefront was defaced with homophobic graffiti. These events spurred the community at large (including high school students from the Gay/Straight Alliance) to show tolerance and acceptance, and to take a stand against intimidation by celebrating our presence in the community through a festival of visible, inclusive events. At the suggestion of then Haliburton County Warden, Carol Moffatt, Founders Sinclair Russell and Bob Baynton-Smith went to Minden Hills Council for support in creating Minden Pride.
The first two years featured a flag raising and a community picnic held in the large front yard of the Wild Swan B&B on the Gull River. The picnic included a bbq, children’s games, and live entertainment featuring local talent. As Pride has evolved each year since our inception, so too has our celebration.Now a week-long festival held annually in August, recognized as one of the largest cultural festivals in Haliburton County. Our community engagement and advocacy programs run year-round as we support a growing community of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, cottagers and business owners.
Loud & Proud out on the Street: Bob Fisher & Auntie Plum
Float with Pride: Our famous Parade on the Gull River in Minden
new name, same pride
After 9 incredible years as Minden Pride, the Planning Committee agreed to evolve to meet the needs and better represent the full complexion of the community we serve. At our Vision 2025 Town Hall, it was announced that Minden Pride in the Haliburton Highlands would officially become Pride in the Highlands marking a new beginning for a more inclusive future of Pride.
