Hey everyone! I want to share a little story about how my daughter and I unexpectedly found ourselves at Pride this year. We had planned just to hang out downtown, completely unaware that it was the day of the Pride parade. I only realized it when my bus had to take a detour.

Stepping off the bus, I noticed the stormy sky and hoped to dodge the rain. My daughter had the same thought and suggested we wait it out at a new coffee shop. Though I can’t recall its name and forgot to snap photos (oops!), the place was lovely, and the iced tea was fantastic! I was just so excited to catch up with my daughter after weeks apart that the name of the coffee shop slipped my mind.

We sat there, chatting away and sipping our drinks, watching others get caught in the rain and sharing a laugh about our good fortune. When the rain let up, we decided to brave the parade, confident we wouldn’t melt in the drizzle.

Approaching the parade route, we were greeted by a sea of colourful, cheerful people, undeterred by the rain. The atmosphere was vibrant with music and laughter, but there were a few protesters too, with police nearby ensuring everything stayed peaceful. Interestingly, off-duty officers were also part of the parade, donning pink shirts and looking quite cute!

The parade was a celebration of peace and love, and it was heartwarming to see everyone so happy and friendly. It’s a shame that some people can’t move past their prejudices, but hey, all that negativity can’t be good for anyone. Once the parade started, the music and cheers drowned out any dissenting voices.

I admit, I didn’t take many photos – I was just so caught up in the fun and excitement! People were dancing, handing out beads and candies, and no one minded getting a bit wet from the Super-Soakers and mist sprayers on the floats. The atmosphere was incredibly positive and inclusive.

It was amazing to see groups like the Teacher’s Union and Scouts, who might not have participated a decade ago, now fully embracing the event with bright colours and high spirits. It’s a sign of growing acceptance, and it gives me hope for the future in other areas like race and ethnicity.

The parade ended with a much-anticipated appearance by the firemen – let’s just say, they did not disappoint! As the crowd dispersed, my daughter and I strolled through Victoria Park, taking in all the sights and booths. It was a day where the extraordinary became ordinary, and it made me wish every day could be that open and accepting.

Eventually, real life called, and we parted ways, feeling happy and content to have shared such a wonderful experience. I’m definitely planning to be back next year, and who knows, maybe I’ll join in and deck myself out too!

Until next time friends…