There are many reasons why the queer community in Ottawa is a hotbed of activism. The instant block party that happened May 17 at the intersection of Bank and Somerset streets is just one example.
The flash mob took over the streets in support of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. The event was a community-led initiative, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) and Pink Triangle Services.
Zach Zimmel, the MSM community developer for ACO, says that organizers wanted to do something upbeat.
“It [the event] should be celebratory and we should celebrate that we are growing, in terms of visibility, on Bank St and celebrating the diversity within our community,” said Zimmel.
Zimmel was happy with the turnout and the fact that passersby joined in the five-minute block party.
“I’m really happy about it. Maybe next year it will be even bigger and better.”
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