St. John's Pride sees 'one of the largest festival turnouts ever' at weekend parade
"We believe this is one of the largest festival turnouts ever," said St. John's Pride communications lead, Ellen Davis, in a statement.
The parade started at St. John's city hall, where over 2,400 marchers gathered before snaking through downtown St. John's, ending in Bannerman Park for a large celebration.
Over 1,400 people also joined as spectators, said Davis.
Davis commended the work of the St. John's Pride board and volunteers, who she said worked hard to put off the event.
"Our volunteer board is now taking some well earned rest," said Davis. "This festival takes hundreds of planning hours, thousands of emails, tough conversations, late nights, early mornings, and long days. It takes a village."
This year's pride festival theme was "no going back." St. John's Pride co-chair, Eddy St. Coeur, told CBC news on July 18 that the theme was chosen in consideration of rising political attacks against transgender people.
The parade was led by Trans Support N.L., a non-profit that provides support to the trans community, "so that we have our entire community, figuratively and quite literally, marching behind [them] down the streets of St. John's," said St. Coeur.
'Walking together towards justice'
Trans Support N.L.'s board director, Myka Hollahan, said she felt joy being surrounded by the community while speaking at the Bannerman Park celebration.
Hollahan gave a speech about the importance of allyship, and reflected on how it can feel for people to mess up, like by using the wrong pronouns.
But, she said, "imperfect allies are still allies."
"They're the ones who show up even when they're nervous. They're the ones who say, I don't know, but I want to learn. They're the ones who keep coming back even after they mess up," said Hollahan. "They're the ones who take accountability and are committed to learning and doing better."
"And that matters, because allyship isn't about being right all the time. It's about being willing."
Hollahan wrapped up her speech by reflecting on the festival, and pointing out that it is not just a celebration, but also about "recognizing that progress doesn't require perfection, it requires people … walking together towards justice," she said.
Over 100 community groups and organizations also walked in the parade, including members of St. Mark's Anglican Church.
The church's rector, Amanda Taylor, said it was important for them to be there, due to rising hatred and division in the world.
"We just feel it's important to show up, and show that we respect the dignity of every human being ... everybody is loved, valued, [and] accepted just as they are," said Taylor.
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