June is Pride month and provides an important opportunity to both recognize and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA++ community, but also to reflect on how far we have come from the first Pride.
The first pride marches took place in June 1970, one year after the riots at the Stonewall Inn. These riots took place following police raids on the bar which welcomed drag queens, gay men, and members of the trans community. While the days of police raids on gay and lesbian bars are behind us, the queer community continues to face routine discrimination and harassment simply for whom they love or how they express their gender identity.
- Queen City Pride Parade will take place in Regina on June 13. If you would like to march with the committee, please come to the staging area by the Conexus Arts Centre and look for the big purple trailer in Section E. Please plan to arrive between 11:00 - 1:30. If you can't march in the parade, please visit the committee at their table at Out in the Park which will take place immediately after the parade in Wascana Park from 12:00-5:00.
- Saskatoon Pride Parade will take place in Saskatoon June 28 at noon. If you would like to march with the committee, please come to the staging area on Spadina Crescent East between Queen Street and 24th Street and look for the big purple trailer in Section 9. Please plan to arrive between 11:00 - 11:30. Members who join the committee in the parade will receive a free committee t-shirt! Let's show Saskatoon the SEIU-West members stand with the 2SLGBTQIA++ community! Following the parade, the committee will be at the Artisan Market and Community Village taking place at the Gather Market, located on 19th Street and Avenue B, please pop by to say hello!
We would truly love to see you join the committee in one or both events! Consider carpooling with friends or co-workers if you live out of town and come enjoy all of the festivities that the Pride Parades and events have to offer! If you have any questions about the parade or how you can participate, you are welcome to sent an email to the staff support for the Gender & Sexual Diversity Committee by clicking here.