Jun. 08, 2011 - Issue #816: Hot Summer Guide

The good fight

Pride is an important step towards a better society

It was devastating to hear that the initial SlutWalk plan to march from the Legislature to City Hall was being impeded by cost. It didn't make sense that the city could require $2000 from a roughly assembled group of people looking to express their rights through a  peaceful, unobtrusive action.
When Saturday's SlutWalk went ahead and one of the speakers asked if we "felt like going for a little walk," the cops were already waiting. Numerous unmarked cars, with lights suddenly flashing, did a very good job of escorting us down Jasper Avenue—I wonder if they plan on attempting to recoup the cost.

Later that day a friend informed me that the Edmonton Pride Parade would be held on 102 Avenue this year. The Pride Society is doing it's best to sell this as a wonderful decision, they don't have to pay the $12 000 it cost last year to block the roads on Jasper and we'd get both sides of the road on 102 Ave. But as an activist friend mentioned to me, isn't it interesting how most of that street is steeped in shadow at any time of the day.

When the Edmonton Pride Parade started more than 25 years ago it was at Gazebo Park and travelled one block, with many participants obscuring their identity. Ten years ago, when I started going, it was in Oliver. The parade travelled Jasper Avenue but at its least busy end. It seems to me that once again, we're missing the entire point of Pride—we can't forget the parade exists for the purpose of visibility. It's not only for the benefit of the homos looking to party; it's also about being a clear showing of our power and presence. Pride Parades are meant for the busiest street in the city because the point is to be seen. Shouldn't the rather gay-positive city council that we have right now—the one with the Mayor who raises a pride flag out front of city hall—cover the inconsequential cost of supporting Edmonton's queer community?

Directly after SlutWalk I went to my workplace to help youth get ready for Queer Prom happening later that night. I watched them as we waited at the bus stop, the kids in gowns, suit jackets and jeans, lots of pink and purple and glowing smiles. We arrived to hundreds of teenagers, adorable teen queer couples and their friends. I watched them cheer and dance and utterly enjoy themselves and wondered about the kids growing up here, now, with these kinds of events available to them. Some of them might be going back to schools and homes filled with bullying and oppression but for one night, they could all be accepted and encouraged and I saw in those faces what might actually be the thing that stops the depression, the addictions, the dangers and the suicides.

This year's Pride theme is "stand up, stand out, stand proud." I hope attendees figure out how to take that message to heart in more ways than just watching the parade and going to one of the many dance parties. Maybe it's reclaiming positive sexuality through one of the sex workshops, or attending one of the many events that embraces spirituality. Maybe it's going to Town Hall presented by the Edmonton Police Service—I know I'm excited for that one. Whatever it is, it has to extend beyond simply enjoying the moment. We can party hard, but we can do so much more.

Whether it's attending a dance, rallying in public spaces or flashing a sign in the Senate, we, as Canadians, as humans, have the right to fight for a better society. It's legal to engage in peaceful assembly. It's vital to make our voices known. Queer or otherwise, we miss the point of being here unless we try to help ourselves and others. It's our right to demand better.

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