Edmonton PrideFest returns to Churchill Square eight years later: "Love always wins"

Saturday's colorful Churchill Square was full, and after eight years of rest from downtown Edmonton's space, the Pride Festival is back.

Four years have passed since the city's former pride society was dissolved in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, followed by a major pride event in the city. Did.

"When they lifted the restrictions on the event, a group of people got together and said," Hey, we have two months. Let's plan a big festival. "Edmonton PrideFestExecutive Producer Trevor Watson said with a laugh, saying this might be the first time for some people.

"There are a lot of people who have never been to a pride (event) before, so I'm very happy to offer this event to them," Watson said.

Read more:Edmonton Pride Festival returns to Churchill Square under the new organization

People of all ages and backgrounds have gathered in downtown Edmonton for a free public family event with entertainment.

"It's great to have all these people who are supportive and part of the community," said 10-year-old Darien Santa Maria, who identifies her as non-binary.

"QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous Colors) and LGBT members, we are still basic We are fighting for human rights. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go, "Watson said.

Watson said Edmonton is a very welcome community and means the world for members of the 2SLGBTQQIA + community.

The 2022 Edmonton PrideFest goal is bigger and more comprehensive than ever Becomes a strange umbrella — especially the QTBIPOC people.

Full coverage:Inside the pride

Many Saturday events still have a lot to do As for the QTBIPOC community that said there is.

"I think it is the responsibility of mainstream LGBT to use their privileges to raise these voices,"Cedar T,Saddle Lake Cree's indigenous model&Two Spirit Performer The country where Void Wisakedjak goes when not being dragged.

She is a director of theCapital Pride Edmonton —  2SLGBTQ + organization, celebrating fairness and diversity and retaining space for the Two-spirit QTBIPOC community. I am.

Cedar T is a celebration of pride and at the same time He said it was also a learning opportunity.

"Don't ask the QTBIPOC community how it can help with anti-repressive training. I think it's important to do some research. We do sensitivity training and educate ourselves about the problems faced by groups left out of society. ”

Kirsten Threefingers said it was great to come to the festival with their sisters and see many other members of the 2SLGBTQQIA + community, especially indigenous background members like themselves.

"It's very comfortable today," they said. "It absolutely helps me to be more connected to being two-spirit."

Two-spirit is to represent North American indigenous people who have both masculine and feminine spirits. A comprehensive modern term used.

Read more: Being Two-spirit and Transgender in Canada: How Colonization Sees Gender Diversity Shaped

This is a relatively new term for the historical concept of the indigenous community, gender identity. And recognizes the fluidity and scope of expression.

Two-spirit people existed for centuries before contact with Europe, but colonization has made many indigenous peoples queer and gender-diversified in their communities. I started to think negatively about people.

Three Fingers said they were very proud to meet two other spiritual people at the Edmonton event.

Read more: Inside the pride: Two-spirit indigenous girls are like themselves to others Encourage them to be

Participating in the festival is a step that allies can take to close the gap between groups, said attendee Jason Johnson. .. He said that being gay was a big part of his identity and he missed out on having no public pride event.

This is the 40th year of the pride event in Edmonton, Watson said, adding that the first event began as a protest.

"It was a small group of very courageous people who led the protests on the street, which has evolved into one of Edmonton's largest and most exciting festivals for over 40 years," he said. Told.

"That's basically why we're here — It started as a protest to remind people of the history of pride, "Ceder T agreed.

Read more: "Not tightly defined": Bisexuals still overcome stereotypes Stigma

In 2019, the Edmonton Pride Festival Society is fighting for a lack of funding and volunteers, and the organization'is not fulfilling our mission to integrate the community this year. I canceled the event because of my belief.

The parade is a pride parade.

The parade wasn't part of Saturday's celebration, but Watson said it could happen next year I hinted that.

In June, Global News is investigating deeper issues related to the 2SLGBTQQIA + community in the series. InsidePride. Of the acronym and the label it represents.

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