THUNDER BAY -- “They keep coming!” Ken Miller shouted enthusiastically.
Miller, chair for the Thunder Pride Association, was amazed at the number of people flooding into Marina Park for Thunder Bay’s sixth annual pride parade.
Roughly 20 minutes after he led the paraders from Waverly Park down towards the Marina, he watched as the array of beautiful bright colors swept over the streets.
In what Miller considered the largest turnout ever, the Pride in Thunder Bay has never been stronger.
“We always have a large amount of participation at everything Pride-related,” Miller said. “Even those who aren’t walking here today are with us.”
Those who were walking included thousands of people and groups, the LGBTQ2S community and their supporters, political organizations, healthcare workers, airlines: all colourful and pride-filled.
Elevate NWO, a harm reduction organization, had Holly Gauvin serving as one of this year’s pride marshals.
She’s seen the parade evolve over the course of six years, and is encouraged by the diversity.
“We’re seeing a wide variety in ages, from the grandparents to the little ones getting very excited,” Gauvin said. “This how we make difference in communities by engaging everyone.”
Eleven-year-old Hailey Lester knows the importance of supporting the LGBTQ2S community.
“Some people don’t support it, so they put people down,” Hailey said. “But if you support them they feel better… my family knows how to respect them and who they are.”
Cecelia Barry echoes that sentiment.
“They don’t get as much support as they need. There’s still so much stigma and hate. They need to show people that love wins,” she said.
Prior to the parade, Thunder Pride issued a statement condemning anti-gay protesters who had protested in parts of rural Ontario, including Barrie, and Dunnville.
There was no such thing to be seen on Saturday in Thunder Bay.
“Thunder Bay has always been a pretty supportive city and we’ve never had any problems,” Miller said.
Overall, the event is a huge showing of support for all who identify as LGBTQ2S, and anyone in question of their identification.
“However you identify is totally okay,” said Meghan Verardo, who identifies as queer. “If that changes in the future… you’re great however you are.”
