Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, all are welcome.
That’s the message behind the “Our Door is Open to Everyone” campaign – an initiative that affirms inclusion, safety and belonging for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
A joint project between the municipality and CK Pride, the latest effort is a relaunch of a campaign that began in 2023. It started with the distribution of cardboard signage and is now being refreshed with the distribution of window clings and stickers reflecting CK Pride’s new name and logo.
In 2024, the non-profit simplified its name to CK Pride, while also unveiling a new logo designed by Cole Fortier.
The relaunch is looking to provide materials to businesses and organizations to “visibly demonstrate” a commitment to welcoming and affirming environments, a municipal media release said.
“The Our Door is Open to Everyone” window clings signal that a space is one where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions are respected and supported,” the release said, noting the high-quality materials are ideal for storefronts, offices and public-facing spaces.
According to a statement from CK Pride’s board of directors, “visibility matters.
“In a community as diverse and geographically large as Chatham-Kent, these window clings offer a simple but meaningful way to signal safety, allyship, and care. For many people, especially youth, newcomers and those navigating rural isolation, seeing that sign can make the difference between entering a space or walking away,” the release noted.
The clings were designed by local artist Joel Emery and produced locally by CutiePatootieStudios. Funding for the campaign is being provided by way of council ward funding through a partnership with Chatham-Kent and Hydro One.
Those interested in displaying one of the new window clings can contact info@ckpride.com. They can also pick them up at Bill’s Place at 48 Centre St. in Chatham during drop-in hours. They’re also available at municipal centres and all C-K Public Library branches.
