LGBT community marks a joyous Pride Parade

Joined by churches, police and political parties, among many others, Sudbury's LGBT community marked a particularly celebratory Pride Parade on Saturday.

The event capped a week of activities, and the parade came at the end of a five-hour party in Memorial Park. Pride Week Chair Katherine Smith reflected on how far the event has come in the city, from a modest event in 1997 dotted with protesters, to the one held Saturday held weeks after same sex marriage was legalized in the United States.

"I'm overwhelmed by the amount of support, with the bravery of the community that chooses to come out to march with us, and the allies that come out to support us and our families and our friends," a jubilant Smith said. "My cup runneth over right now.

"Socially, things have come a long way. Our rights are fully protected right now, and that makes things easier. And the world is changing."

Representatives from the Green Party, the Liberals and the New Democrats were on hand, including Green candidate David Robinson and NDP hopeful Paul Loewenberg. Members of the Greater Sudbury Police not only provided an escort for the hundreds of marchers, they also walked in the parade.

And members of the United Church took part, carrying a banner declaring 'All Are Welcome Here.'

Smith said their presence was significant.

"They're really fantastic people and I think it's really important that they march with us,” she said.

“Having the police on board -- and not to mention the work the police have done with TG Innerselves and the training video that they made -- it's inspiring. And seeing all the political parties march -- and not just march, but actually make an effort to come and talk to us and be amongst the people -- it's really, really awesome."

The recent ruling in the U.S. legalizing same sex marriage means “I can go to the States now,” Smith laughed.

"It's fantastic. I think it shows that despite the right wing, that our rights are undeniable. And really, we're well past the point when we should be arguing about such things. We've got way bigger fish to fry in the world."

While LGBT persons now have more legal protection than any time in Canadian history, Smith said it's important the fight go beyond our borders, to countries that still repress or kill members of the community.

"Now that the entire of North America is a safe space for everyone to be, we need to focus globally,” she said. “We need to make sure we're trying to help our brothers and sisters across the ocean.

"The rights that we have were hard fought for. My hope now is that the people in North America who now have their rights will use that visibility and that voice to be an advocate for all of the people."

In more practical terms, it means protesting such things as countries that deny LBT community rights getting major sporting events. That issue raised its head during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and Russia is also scheduled to host the World Cup of Soccer in 2018.

"Socially, we have to stand up and say that's not OK."

But she said Saturday was a day to celebrate the progress that has been made in Sudbury and across North America.

"It's been really, really incredible. This is my first year as chair, and we are absolutely overwhelmed by the support from the community and the businesses and the other organizations. I'm super excited to watch it grow and grow and grow."