Diversity Ed marked the start of Pride month Friday afternoon with its annual flag raising.
Pride month officially starts Saturday around the world.
Dozens of people were in attendance at the flag raising at the city's flag court at Paul Blundy Park.
Diversity Ed volunteer Jessica Baker said it is important to be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community.
"As we raise this flag let us honour the legacy of those who came before us, let us continue to fight for belonging, inclusivity, equity and justice. Let us strive to create a sustainable world where everyone regardless of who they are and who they love can live authentically, proudly without fear and have queer joy," she said.
Staff member with Diversity Ed Kal Larocque Lines said while the flying of the pride flag is important it should be flying all of the time.
"That's not just a 30 day thing, it's not just when we feel like it or providing safe spaces just because we feel like we have to because we're going to get in trouble, do it because you care about the people that you're serving," he said.
A number of events are being planned in June and July to celebrate Pride.
Sarnia-Lambton Pridefest is one of the events which will be held on July 13 at McGibbon Park.
Founder of Diversity Ed Crystal Fach said while they love the celebration of Pride it's sad that pride has to be celebrated.
"I want to work myself out of a job where I don't have to do this, we have to do this because we have to force people to accept us, that's what Pride Month is," they said.
They also said some people don't have family members that support them.
"We need more people to step up and show the next generation and the people that are currently here that Sarnia-Lambton is a place that they want to stay," Fach said.