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Read All Latest NewsUnity and Resilience: Langford Unveils Indigenous-Designed 2SLGBTQIA+ Decal
Imagine a city where every storefront, every window, and every door serves as a canvas, not just for art, but for a statement of unity, love, and resilience. This is the vision that the City of Langford, nestled on Vancouver Island, is bringing to life with the unveiling of a new decal celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, through the artistry of Indigenous artist Jeanine Chipps. Merging the vibrant hues of the Progress Pride flag with traditional Coast Salish art, this initiative is more than just decoration—it’s a declaration.
Art Meets Activism
Released on February 21, the decal is not merely an emblem of aesthetic appeal. Central to its design is a turtle, a symbol deeply revered in Coast Salish culture for representing safety, longevity, and stability. These are values that Jeanine Chipps and the City of Langford hold dear, especially when it comes to fostering a supportive community. Mayor Scott Goodmanson emphasized the decal’s role in creating safe, inclusive spaces across the city, helping businesses welcome everyone under a banner of inclusivity. This initiative is a testament to Langford’s commitment to not only celebrate diversity but to actively uphold and protect it.
Building on a Legacy of Inclusion
This decal initiative builds upon Langford’s ‘I am Langford’ campaign, launched in 2020 to unite businesses and residents in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns. But the city’s efforts to promote inclusivity stretch further back, as evidenced by the installation and swift restoration of a Progress Pride crosswalk at Spencer Middle School. Despite facing acts of vandalism, the community’s response was immediate and unequivocal, repairing the damage and standing in solidarity against hate. This resilience is a characteristic that Langford aims to weave into the very fabric of its community, making it clear that love and acceptance are not just welcomed but are the cornerstone of their identity.
A Symbol for the Future
The distribution of these decals, available for free at city hall and to local businesses, is more than a gesture. It’s a step towards a future where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued and protected. As these decals adorn more windows and doors across Langford, they serve as a reminder of the community’s strength, unity, and commitment to being a place where everyone can belong. In a world where division too often grabs headlines, Langford’s initiative shines as a beacon of hope and a model for communities everywhere to follow.
As we move forward, the significance of these decals—and the message they carry—will undoubtedly resonate beyond the borders of Langford. In a time when the need for understanding and inclusivity has never been greater, initiatives like these remind us of the power of community, art, and the enduring strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity and embrace diversity. It’s a narrative that Langford is not just telling but living, one decal at a time.
Unity and Resilience: Langford Unveils Indigenous-Designed 2SLGBTQ… (bnnbreaking.com)