The Queer Straight Alliance at Portage Collegiate Institute took part in the making of history at City Hall yesterday. Alliance member Anna Gervais taks about the proclamation signed by Mayor Irvine Ferris.

"We are getting the proclamation signed for having an LGBTQ+ Awareness Day in Portage la Prairie. It will be on May 16th of every year now."

She explains the importance of having a day dedicated to LGBTQ+ awareness.

"I think it's important because a lot of them have been stripped of their rights and they don't feel like they belong. They shouldn't have to feel life that. They should feel like everyone else."

Gervais says peoples' experience with acceptance depends on who they are surrounded by.

"If you live at home and your parents are very accepting then you are going to feel more open about it. Growing up, if you grow up with very homophobic parents you will likely feel very exiled and very alone. I think it just depends on where you are and who you are with."

Gervais says at the end of the day, it's all about treating people with respect.