Best one ever.
The Pride Parade this year was tight, well attended and bursting with energy. The weather helped, and so did the extension up Robson Street:
And the theme – a celebration of the rainbow flag – was a natural.
But why does this celebration of all things gay attract such a large cross-section of the community – and so many? Almost two-thirds the population of the city itself.
Well, partly because it’s the only summer parade in town (now that the Sea Festival and PNE parades are just memories). Partly because it’s hand-made and home-grown. The corporate presence is there, but it’s not overwhelming – and it’s an important statement of inclusion:
That says a lot about our how our society has changed.
The Pride Parade also reflects, more each year, our multi-racial society.
Mainly, though, I think it’s simply that Pride allows this very reserved society to loosen up a little.
What I noticed this year (and it was probably the same last year but I didn’t think about it) was how “white” and even “WASPY” the event seemed. Yes, I saw non white people, particularly in the parade, but not necessarily watching the parade or enjoying the festivities at sunset beach.
Most other Vancouver events will include a lot of people with South Asian and SE Asian heritage, reflecting the city’s population.
So on the one hand, with all the politicians and corporate sponsorship it celebrates diversity and inclusion; on the other hand, as a Vancouver resident it felt like something was missing.
There were lots of rainbows, but the full rainbow of ethnic groups that make up Vancouver wasn’t there.