Most importantly, our city’s Pride parade is a symbol of solidarity

Our chance to walk with those who’ve been excluded, victimized, says Rev. John Pentland.

Throughout the summer, we have seen news reports about Pride parades in towns and cities across the country.

The parades have become a joyful celebration of colour, song, food and dance. I think the parades are a significant statement about the health, openness and diversity of the host community. In this way, the parades are a public statement that matters.

We have come a long way from Calgary’s first procession in 1990, where participants wore paper bags out of fear of being identified and as a protest against the stigma that kept LGBTQ+ people in the closet. Today, the parade is clearly an open display of love.

The parade matters to me. As a leader in a faith community, walking in Calgary’s Pride Parade is first of all, an act of solidarity. We walk with those who have been excluded, victimized and shunned for who they are.

Historically, religions have misunderstood and perpetuated hate and ignorance against the LGBTQ+ community. Sadly, some continue to do so. This is a grievous error. It is important to walk humbly and in solidarity, recognizing our mistaken past.

We do this aware that there is an abundance of negative religious and non-religious rhetoric demonizing others with toxic hate. This action perpetuates fear, hatred and violence in the world. The march is an antidote of joy.

For me, the Pride Parade reflects a message that love, acceptance and compassion is for all people. It says in effect, “we are not afraid,” “we will not hide,” “we all matter.”

When we walk together publicly, we invite others to know they aren’t alone. Our walking together symbolizes our role as an ally

— in particular to the LGBTQ+ community, but I believe for all citizens. For those who walk a religious path, the parade is a faithful call to walk in solidarity and to practice what we preach about love and compassion.

Secondly, we walk remembering those who cannot walk.

As Calgary social activist Mike Morrison reminds us, “For me, the Pride Parade is for everyone. But during the parade, I think of the people who can’t be there. I think of the millions of gay men who died in the HIV crisis because governments turned their backs on them.

“I think of the countless people whose lives and families were destroyed by religious leaders demonizing LGBTQ+ people. I think of LGBTQ+ youth who live in towns where Pride flags are still burned, where rainbow crosswalks are tarred.

“I think of the citizens of the 72 countries and territories worldwide that still criminalize same-sex relationships. There is an element of solidarity that shares hope beyond our city to those who live in far-off places. The parade says, never give up hope.”

Thirdly, as Pam Rocker, an affirming activist in the city, remarks: “It is a chance to be public, intentional and explicit about who and what matters. It is putting hands and feet into motion to love through marching and celebrating.”

This past weekend, Hillhurst United Church unfurled a new Pride flag designed with colours symbolizing support of the transgender community, persons of colour and our Indigenous communities.

The affirming co-ordinator, Keith Murray, joyfully proclaimed, “This new flag widens the call for inclusion and it celebrates the gift of diversity.”

The new flag will fly in the parade this year.

Finally, as a parent, I celebrate the chance to have my child see love in action in the city streets. The parade recognizes the work that organizations, workplaces and political organizations have done to ensure safe and diverse perspectives are experienced in the communities they serve.

Folks on the sidewalks cheering offer the chance to say “thank you” for being brave and bold in inclusion efforts.

The work isn’t done yet, but the enthusiastic and joyful celebration in the streets reminds us of the kind of city we hope for and the kind of world we strive to help create.