Pride Parade being planned for Yarmouth
Organizers of a Pride Parade being planned for Yarmouth say what they want most is acceptance for all and for no one to ever be afraid of how they feel or how they choose to live their lives.
Yarmouth’s Pride Parade event will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2 to 7 p.m. and will be followed by food and entertainment at the park.
“The idea itself is actually pretty new, at least for us,” explains Cas LeBlanc, one of the organizers. “It started as an LGBTQ+ Alliance group for the area a few weeks ago, and then Joey Benoit had messaged me asking if I had any interest in organizing a parade as well... It made sense to put our heads together and try to get something happening.”
Also joining LeBlanc and Benoit as the main organizers is Megan Hatfield. They feel this event is important to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance.
“We still see prejudices against members of our LGBTQ+ com- munity far too often. I personally, after having lived in many different provinces and large cities in Canada, thought my hometown could really benefit from this,” says LeBlanc. “I know far too often people are being ostracized here, and many youth are afraid to come forward with their feelings of confusion regarding their sexuality or identity.”
Asked how response to the event has been, LeBlanc says it has been overwhelming and positive. The organizers hope to make this an annual event.
“Our LGBTQ+ Alliance group on Facebook has over 300 members, and the parade has over 600 people interested. These numbers are climbing every day,” says LeBlanc.
“It really warms my heart to see such a positive response and I am very grateful that so many people are interested.”
Anyone is welcome to participate in the parade.
“This is about alliances and unity because in greater numbers we will stand stronger,” LeBlanc explains. “Straight alliances are very important to the LGBTQ+ community. If you want to get a group of friends together and dress up and walk, we encourage it.”
We’re also looking for some businesses to partake in floats or walking groups as well, as it’s a great way to show your unity with the LGBTQ+ community.”
There is a $20 registration fee per group/float to help cover the parade insurance.
The alliance is also seeking donations and looking for event volunteers.
“We’re actively seeking a good group of possibly 50 volunteers or so. We’re hoping to divide up some tasks throughout our day of activities so that people can volunteer but also still enjoy what’s going on,” says LeBlanc.
People are needed to help with setup before the parade and to help with cleanup after the celebrations.
The group is also interested in photographers willing to help document this Pride event.
They also are looking to provide live entertainment and hope food vendors will take part too.
The food vendors must supply their own permits, LeBlanc says.