Pride celebrations kick off at Confederation Building

The pride flag was hoisted Monday outside Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature, launching a week of celebrations in the LGBT community.

Supporters from the community — as well as corporate sponsors, including the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and representatives from the political parties — cheered as the flag was raised near Confederation Building.

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"It's getting bigger and bigger," said participant Jane Diamond.

"I just spent World Pride in Toronto, so that was a completely different experience, but it's slowly starting to change here. We're getting more and more people involved, which is great."

St. John's Pride is organizing its fourth week of celebrations in the capital.

St. John's Centre MHA Gerry Rogers, the first openly gay politician to be elected to the House of Assembly, said recent accomplishments are remarkable, but there is plenty left to do.

"People who are trans still have to go to Toronto to get diagnosed or to get assessed," said Rogers, adding that the school curriculum needs to become more inclusive.

This year's Pride Week also marks a big change in making inroads in the corporate community. Last year, there was only one corporate sponsor. This year, there are 17, with big brands like TD and Bud Light helping out.

Meanwhile, Happy Valley-Goose Bay kicked off its own Pride Week on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony.

Mayor Jamie Snook signed a proclamation stating that the town respects and values everyone, of all orientations. 

Resident Adam Mesher said the town's participation is more than symbolic.

"The more support that we have from the town, the more that people can come together, regardless of who we are or what we look like," Mesher said.