Edmonton kicks off Alberta’s summer 2015 Pride celebrations with record turnout
Posted Jun 6, 2015 5:04 pm.
Last Updated Jun 7, 2015 4:58 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Edmonton is kicking off summer Pride celebrations in the province this year, and everyone from Alberta premier Rachel Notley to hockey players showed up to support equal rights.
Kris Wells, co-founder of Camp fYrefly, said this year’s Pride Parade broke records and sends a message to the rest of Canada.
“This tells the rest of Canada that the stereotype of Alberta is changing,” Wells said. “Perhaps we’re less redneck and we’re more pinkneck now, in terms of our values and beliefs in the province.”
Wells added that 50,000 people came out to join in on the festivities on Whyte Ave, a record-breaking number in the 35 years the parade has been running.
Edmonton Oilers goalie Ben Scrivens was on of the many thousands at the parade on Saturday, and he said it’s important for all fans, including those part of the LGBTQ community, to see the players as allies.
“We have fans who are straight, gay, bisexual, transsexual. It doesn’t matter what orientation they are, or how they identify; they’re our fans,” Scrivens said. “When push comes to shove, we have to be willing to put our necks out and support them in a fight that they deserve to have an ally in.”
Calgary’s Pride Parade will be on Sunday, September 6th. Jasper started off this year’s festivities in March, with their Winter Pride Parade.
