Victoria's annual Pride Parade draws thousands in display of acceptance and community

Sunday’s parade drew an enthusiastic crowd of people, many of them dressed in vivid colours.

Pride Parade participants walked, wheeled and danced through downtown Victoria Sunday as tens of thousands looked on, wearing bright colours and enjoying the sunny weather. The Victoria Pride Society expected about 80,000 people to watch the 90-minute parade, which included about 140 entries and ended with the Victoria Pride Festival in MacDonald Park. Among those walking in the parade was Hayden Blair, who came out as non-binary seven years ago and walked alongside their parents and service dog, Gracie.

Blair said attending past Pride Parades helped foster a sense of acceptance. “It’s nice being in a place where you can feel like you’re not being judged.” Gracie was wearing her very own pride T-shirt with a rainbow tutu.

Blair said they adopted Gracie about a year ago, and the dog helps detect and prevent panic attacks while acting as a companion when out and about. “I don’t feel so scared going out in public anymore,” Blair said. Sooke School District associate superintendent D’Arcy Deacon walked in the parade to show students they can feel comfortable being who they are.

“It’s important to create a safe and inclusive environment for everybody.” Educators and administrators from the Sooke, Greater Victoria and Saanich school districts take part in the parade annually to show their support for queer students, he said. “People need to feel like they’re safe, so their needs can be met, and they know they belong.”

Julia O’Quinn and Kerstin Gervais walked together as part of a float with the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society. O’Quinn said a big part of helping people through homelessness is making them feel accepted for every part of themselves. “I would say our biggest organizational value is unconditional love.”

Gervais said the society exists to “create places of love and support.” For Mandy Wilson, walking in the parade with the Broadview United Church as an ally is important because of how many queer people experience judgment and hate from religious groups. “It’s important to show that there’s two sides to that story,” Wilson said, adding that the group gets a lot of cheers as they walk in the parade.

“You’re welcome here.” Brian Short walked as part of a group from the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, singing a hymn of acceptance to those walking by. “How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle?” he sang.

Short said singing for strangers makes him feel more connected to the community. Norman Moulton, visiting Victoria from Halifax, wore a custom-crocheted rainbow outfit crafted by a friend. Moulton has been wearing the outfit at about 15 Pride Parades throughout the years, and said the emotions of participating have changed tremendously since his first parade in 1986.

“My first Pride, I was afraid,” he said. “But today I feel totally comfortable and totally connected.”