Two queer-rights advocates in Labrador say celebrating and marking Pride month has additional importance given an increase in public and online prejudice against members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “The messaging is very important — the messaging around why we support Pride month and why we support flying the Pride flag,” Evans says. If people surround themselves with others who are ignorant, bigoted, or hateful, those views can be internalized and increase one’s own prejudice or hatred toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, he says. “People are definitely more emboldened, and it definitely makes you a lot more aware of your surroundings.”Given the rise in prejudice against queer people, it’s a crucial time to support 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Self-education is important given 2SLGBTQIA+ community members face prejudice and discrimination all year long, he adds.