‘Love is love’ overriding message at Regina Pride Parade

The Queen Metropolis Pleasure Parade went into full swing Saturday on fifteenth Ave and Lorne St.

Joyous crowds kicked off the return of the parade as a whole lot gathered after a two-year pandemic hiatus.

“Love is love” was the overriding message of the day as Queen Metropolis Pleasure held their annual satisfaction parade.

Among the many marchers was Mirtha Rivera, board member of Queen Metropolis Pleasure who stated it takes months of planning to arrange the parade, however she is comfortable as a result of it’s one thing to look ahead to for the entire yr.

“My coronary heart is filled with happiness as a result of I used to be one of many unique members within the first parade. There was solely about 20 of us and we coated our faces and we didn’t have a allow. We weren’t allowed. We weren’t authorized. And now you may see that now we have help from everyone. The neighborhood is massive and this youth, I really feel is the long run. And so they’re so free, so comfortable. And I’m comfortable for them, I’m with them.”

She stated that first satisfaction parade in Regina was in 1989, and individuals marched as a result of they didn’t wish to maintain hiding their relationships and their love. They weren’t purported to be on the road however ended up marching to the legislature.

“I by no means thought I’ll see this, however I needed to see it. So it’s like a dream come true for me. It. To see all of this taking place and being so free,” Rivera stated.

The parade is only one a part of the continued 10-day Queen Metropolis satisfaction pageant that acknowledges the gender and sexually various communities of Regina.

Over 80 vibrant floats made their manner as much as the ledge, which exceeded the quantity from Could 2019 after they had about 70 floats.

At this yr’s parade you couldn’t assist however discover a big youth contingent popping out in help.

Flo Mingo with Lulu’s Lodge, who was additionally marching, stated, “I’m extraordinarily excited. It’s been a very long time since we’ve been in a position to come collectively and have a good time. To have everyone right here and to see all our allies and buddies becoming a member of its such an exquisite expertise.”

“After I was younger I didn’t see this type of factor. So for our youth to see the variety of individuals on the market supporting them. They’re allowed to be precisely who they wish to be. That’s extraordinarily essential for any individual rising up.”

The parade was additionally attended by Regina Rosemont MLA Trent Wotherspoon.

“I’m right here as an ally and I’m right here to to be very clear that love is love and that each one individuals in Saskatchewan are liked. We all know that that equality isn’t in place throughout Saskatchewan for a lot of. And we all know that many individuals put up with harassment, abuse and bullying and hate and that’s why we have to proceed to march, proceed to combat for progress and for equality.”

He added that it’s a lovely factor to see a whole lot of individuals lining the streets and the younger individuals being part of it. He was there together with his eight-year-old son William.

The celebration is predicted to go on till 11 p.m.