Another year of Pride kicks off in Calgary

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – All the colours of the rainbow will be on full display in Calgary as Pride week kicks off. Daily events are being held every day until it wraps up on September 1.

It’s been 31 years since the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Festival was held in Calgary. The annual raising of the Pride flag has been a beacon of hope for those who are unable to participate in Pride because of oppression.

 

Amelia Newbert, co-founder of Skipping Stone says in light of the vandalism on a pride crosswalk downtown, relationships with police are more important than ever.

“To see it being taken seriously and being taken as the threat and aggression towards people’s safety that it is, I think was a really important step and I’m really glad to see them step up,” they said.

The annual festival started at noon Friday when the Pride flag was raised at City Hall.

Cheers rang out as the pride flag was raised under the watchful gaze of a security guard.

Calgary police along with LGBTQ+ supporters ensured the ceremony itself went off without a hitch.

Executive Director of Calgary Pride Parker Chapple says the movement is growing.

“Statistically, we are actually the fastest growing in Canada and we are the fourth largest. It’s expanding exponentially at this point.”

Following the flag-raising ceremony, there was a free screening of the film ‘Finding Bobby’ at the Memorial Park Library. Other events through the week include speakers, performers and the Pride parade on Sept. 1.

Chapple says Pride is still looking for volunteers and encouraging everyone to get involved.

“Those who may not necessarily agree with the vision and mission of our organization or with our community are willing to take action, so we, therefore, encourage our allies and our community to take action in response and consider volunteering. Not to mention, it’s a whole lot of fun.”

You can find the full list of events at the Calgary Pride website.

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