Vancouver shows off its Pride
August 7th, 2008
Summer in the West End means two exciting events come to my doorstep: the four nights of the”Celebration of Light” fireworks shows, and topping the month off, the Pride Parade. This year was a special one for me, as for the first time since I moved up here, my Mom was in town during both these events and able to see in person what I had been raving about. This year’s parade was particularly special - not only was there a record crowd, but the overall vibe just seemed to be set to extra-joyous. There was a time I’d have told you I was getting a little jaded about the Pride Parade, but this year - maybe because of my special guest - it seemed even more fun than ever.Â
Of course, the usual elements were all in place, without which it just isn’t a Pride Parade. I mentally checked them off in order as the procession went by:
- Dykes on Bikes
- The Knights of Malta (who are these folks exactly and why do they always lead the parade? Must google…)
- Politicians galore: Jack Layton and Carole James, Adriane Carr, Tim Stephenson, Gregor Robertson (courting the rollerblader vote!), Mayor Sam Sullivan, and Hedy Fry
- Disco classics (”I Willl Survive”, “Knock on Wood” - but no “YMCA” this year… shocking!)
- Cross-dressing extraordinaire (this year: bathing beauties and stewardesses)
- Dancing boys (and girls) on nightclub floats
- Great signs
- Topless women
- Bottomless men
Check out my photos and enjoy the sights of Pride!
