Pride Week wraps up with Pride March through downtown

Southwest Saskatchewan Pride is celebrating the conclusion of a busy week of activities during Swift Current Pride Week 2018.

A total of 11 events were held during the week of June 4 to 10 as Swift Current’s second annual Pride Week again drew strong support. The highlight event of the week was a Pride Family BBQ and a Pride March through downtown on Saturday.

“It’s a little bit smaller this year,” Southwest Saskatchewan Pride chair Andrea Mccrimmon explained of Saturday’s turnout. “I think we had a huge turnout (last year) because it was the first time. And we had the viral success of having Saskatchewan’s first Rainbow Crosswalk. But I’m very pleased with the turnout today. We had a really good crowd.”

A Pride Market in conjunction with the downtown event featured a series of sale items, but there were also information displays by the Trans Umbrella Foundation in Regina plus the University of Saskatchewan Pride Centre.

Mccrimmon said Pride Week’s popularity and support reflects the enormous positive change experienced by the LGBTQ+ community in Swift Current.

“People used to be very afraid of coming out and felt like if they were gay or bisexual or transgender that they would have to leave Swift Current. And that’s just really sad, and not true any more. There is a lot of support here, and widespread community support as you can see by everyone that’s supported Pride Week 2018. There is acceptance here and we’re working to make sure everyone is safe and respected.”

“It makes LGBTQ people feel safe and welcome, and like they can find community and acceptance. And that’s life changing.”

She added that the support of youth Pride members and supporters is instrumental to the success of the week.

“They really bring a wonderful enthusiasm and energy to it. And it really does change their lives for the better know there’s acceptance out there no matter what their gender and sexual orientation is.”