Edmonton Pride Parade Returns After 7 Years, Kicks Off Saturday

UPDATE: The highly anticipated Edmonton Pride Parade is set to return to downtown Edmonton this Saturday, marking the first time in seven years that the streets will be filled with vibrant celebrations. Organizers from the Edmonton PrideFest Association are thrilled to welcome 2SLGBTQ+ community members and allies back for this momentous occasion.

The parade is considered one of the largest Pride events in the Prairies, having been cancelled in 2019 due to protests over law enforcement’s involvement. Trevor Watson, a representative from the Edmonton PrideFest Association, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “For a lot of our community members, this will be the first parade that they’ve seen. We have a ton of queer youth that have never been to a Pride parade before, so this is something that’s going to be very exciting.”

In a powerful addition, the parade will kick off with what is believed to be the first Edmonton Trans March for Visibility and Equality, organized by RaricaNow. This march is a response to recent legislation affecting the transgender community in Alberta, including a law requiring parental consent for children under 16 to change names or pronouns at school, and another that prevents transgender athletes from competing in female amateur sports.

Watson emphasized the importance of recognizing Pride not just as a celebration but as a crucial platform for ongoing advocacy. “There are still members of our community who, still today, all over the world, are fighting for their rights,” he said.

Pride Month is officially underway in Edmonton, with the parade set to be a highlight amid a full slate of activities. From comedy festivals to workshops on Drag King Makeup, there’s something for everyone. The festivities will include artisan markets, food trucks, and live performances, featuring headliners such as Fefe Dobson, Jamie Fine, and drag queens Willam and Alaska.

Additionally, attendees can look forward to a meet-and-greet with American actor and transgender advocate Angelica Ross, adding a star-studded element to the weekend’s events.

As the parade approaches, the excitement builds, with community members eagerly awaiting a chance to celebrate their identities and advocate for their rights. The event serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight for equality continues.

Stay tuned for more updates as the parade unfolds this Saturday afternoon in downtown Edmonton, and prepare to join in this historic celebration.