In the quiet streets of central Newfoundland, an act of hatred has inadvertently ignited a powerful wave of solidarity. Rainbow crosswalks in Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander were defaced last weekend, but rather than silencing the LGBTQ2S community, the vandalism has amplified their voice and rallied unexpected support from across the province.
“They can try to erase our symbols, but they cannot erase us,” said Kyle Curlew, chairperson of Central Pride NL, speaking from his office in Grand Falls-Windsor. “What these vandals don’t understand is that for every act of hatred, we grow stronger, more visible, and more determined.”
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, saw pride crosswalks splattered with black paint in what police are investigating as a targeted act of hate. Security footage has been collected from surrounding businesses, and the RCMP has classified the vandalism as a potential hate crime under the Criminal Code.
The timing of the vandalism is particularly significant, coming just weeks before Central Pride NL’s annual celebration scheduled for July. According to Canada News, this marks the third consecutive year that pride symbols have been targeted in the region, suggesting a disturbing pattern rather than isolated incidents.
Mayor Barry Manuel of Grand Falls-Windsor condemned the acts in the strongest terms during an emergency council meeting on Monday. “This behavior has no place in our community. We are a town that celebrates diversity and inclusion, and we will not be intimidated by cowardly acts meant to divide us.”
The community response has been swift and overwhelming. Within 24 hours of the vandalism, a GoFundMe campaign to restore the crosswalks surpassed its $5,000 goal, ultimately raising over $12,000 from more than 200 donors. Local businesses have offered to donate supplies and labor for the restoration, while others have placed rainbow flags in their windows in solidarity.
“What’s truly remarkable,” notes Curlew, “is seeing people who have never been openly supportive before stepping up now. Sometimes it takes seeing actual hatred to recognize the importance of standing together.”
The incident has sparked broader conversations about inclusivity in rural Newfoundland. According to statistics from CO24 Politics, reported hate crimes against LGBTQ2S communities have increased by 41% across Canada in the past three years, with smaller communities often experiencing less visible but equally impactful forms of discrimination.
“Rural queer folks face unique challenges,” explains Dr. Sulaimon Giwa, Associate Professor of Social Work at Memorial University and researcher on LGBTQ2S issues in Newfoundland. “There’s less anonymity, fewer support services, and sometimes a false perception that homophobia is more acceptable away from urban centers.”
The provincial government has responded by announcing additional funding for LGBTQ2S support programs in rural areas. Minister Responsible for Human Rights John Abbott stated in a press release, “These acts of vandalism will not deter our commitment to building a province where everyone feels safe and accepted.”
For youth in the community, the incident and subsequent response have been particularly impactful. “When I saw the vandalism, my heart sank,” said 17-year-old Jasmine Thomas, who volunteers with Central Pride NL. “But seeing how everyone came together afterward gave me hope. It showed me that there are more people who support us than who want to tear us down.”
Community organizers are now planning a “Reclaim the Rainbow” event for this weekend, where residents will gather to repaint the crosswalks and hold a peaceful demonstration of solidarity. The event, which was initially expected to draw a few dozen supporters, now anticipates hundreds of attendees from across the province according to CO24 News.
“Sometimes the greatest gift your opponents can give you is revealing themselves,” reflected Curlew. “This vandalism has galvanized support we might never have seen otherwise.”
As central Newfoundland prepares to rebuild its symbols of inclusion, a profound question emerges for communities everywhere: How do we transform moments of hatred into opportunities for growth and unity rather than allowing them to deepen our divisions?
