The countdown is on: Pride week in Calgary is less than 10 days away! This year’s theme, “Our City, Our Family”, speaks to the heightened need to encourage inclusivity and diversity across all communities, regardless of sexual orientation.
While tremendous strides have been made in the fight for equality and elimination of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender, many injustices are still occurring today, here in Calgary and around the globe. Last year, a youth in our city was the target of a hate crime because of her sexual orientation. Just recently, Pride flags were stolen and burned at a Pride celebration in Fort MacLeod, Alberta. Around the world, policies and practices stemming from prejudices against LGBTQ individuals are the cause of violent trauma, incarceration, exile and death. The current situation in Russia is a prime example of these injustices, and while our Government is speaking up and naming it as discrimination, some groups in Canada are promoting prejudice by taking the position that the Government’s stance is a waste of tax dollars.
Pride is not just about creating awareness for the need to live in a world free of discrimination and oppression, although this is a major part, it is also a time of expression, celebration, unity and fun. A gamut of events to celebrate the pride and diversity within the Calgary LGBTQ community will take place from August 23 to September 2. Throughout the week, just a few of the options include a gay history walk, a bi-BQ and the 4th Annual Calgary Dyke March. On Tuesday, August 27, the Women’s Centre will be screening Gen Silent, a critically acclaimed LGBT aging film. Click here for more info.
Pride Parade
Traditionally, the Pride Parade marks the end of Pride week in Calgary. Last year, the parade drew in record crowds with an estimated 30,000 attendees. Join us this year on September 1 as we stand in unity with the community and promote equal rights in policy and practice by marching proudly through the streets of downtown.
If you would like to march with the Women’s Centre, please meet us on Sunday, September 1 at 11:30am at Olympic Plaza (228 8 Avenue SE). Wear purple and look for our banner, or ask a Pride volunteer where to find us! Click here for more info.
Visit Pride Calgary’s Facebook page for more event information.
