Thousands take to Stephen Avenue for Pride Parade
Posted Aug 31, 2014 3:29 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There was plenty of colour along Stephen Avenue Sunday, as thousands flocked to Calgary’s downtown to take in the city’s pride parade.
Organizers said the goal was to create a city free from discrimination against gender identity and sexual orientation.
About 100 groups including politicians, athletes, entertainers and others attended, including Flames forward Mikael Backlund.
“Just to see what it’s all about and walk in the parade and people here look pretty crazy,” he said, surrounded by thousands of rainbow flags.
Organizers expected 45,000 people for the parade and the party moved to Shaw Millenium Park after it was finished.
Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said the movement is not only progressing socially but politically as well, especially this year in the Legislature.
“Removing language to replace it with gender-neutral language, changing the preamble to the Marriage Act to recognize same-sex marriages as well, allowing it to be easier for trans-gendered individuals to obtain a birth certificate, these are massive changes that happened this year,” she said.
All three PC leadership hopefuls also attended.
Many parade-goers said even as the movement becomes more acceptable, it’s still important to have this event.
“To just get out and show that we’re still here and proud of who we are,” one man said.
Grand Marshall Del Shores addressed the crowd at the park.
“I am so honoured that I am the first American to be a Grand Marshall, thank you so much Calgary for having me,” the Texan said. “You guys are doing it right.”
“Down south where bigotry and racism is still alive and well, you guys are marching forward so fast and today when I was riding in that parade, I loved seeing all the faces, all the beautiful faces that were celebrating gay.”
