HALIFAX – There was a colourful celebration in downtown Halifax Saturday afternoon and not even a bit of rain could dampen spirits.
The first Halifax Pride March was held in 1987 because of unrest about prejudice and discrimination, as well as the threat of violence. About 75 people marched that first year.
A few people that year wore paper bags over their heads out of fear for their livelihoods and their safety – but that’s not the case any longer. The pride parade has grown to be one of the largest and best attended parades in the city.
The grand marshal this year was Kate Shewan, who rode along in an Austin Mini Cooper.
“I like that it’s everyone being able to be proud,” said Tara Cooper.
For some, it’s their first time at the parade. Others attend every year.
“I love the energy of it,” said Pam Lovin. “Everyone is so excited and people from all walks of life show up.”
Nicole Balcom added, “We come every year and we love to come out and support our friends and family.”
Judy Quinn was among the many people from far away places who attended the parade.
“I came from British Columbia to visit my family and I wanted to bring my grandchildren to the pride parade,” said Quinn.
“I come to this parade every year. I live in Amherst, Nova Scotia and I come to this parade because it’s the one day I can be myself,” said her grandson.
One same-sex married couple from Dallas, Texas was among the thousands of people lining the streets. They say the parade was beyond anything they’ve ever seen in their home state.
“It’s much smaller scale and I can assure 100,000 don’t show up. No politicians show up – maybe one or two – and not the diversity we saw here,” said Karen Churchill.
“It was lovely. It was beautiful. It was so inclusive and open and fun.”
“Yes and it was very cultural too,” her partner Dayna Bryant added.
The Pride week festivities wind up Sunday.
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