T marched in his first Pride parade and he did amazing!
I’m part of my work’s Pride staff group and it was wonderful to march with colleagues, family and friends for the first time since the pandemic.
It was important to march, because of increased attacks towards the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
It is horrifying to see the vitriol and hate in the US and Canadians are not naive enough to think that we’re immune to this.
T joining us was a last minute decision. I left the house in the early afternoon to join colleagues to prep our materials.
I felt very iffy about him joining us, because the parade can be overwhelming – with a crowd of over a million, loud music, hot weather, long walking. If T became disregulated, it’d be a nightmare.
On the other hand, I always wished for T to march and to not take for granted our liberties that are now under attack – and to explain to T that celebration and advocacy go hand in hand.
By mid afternoon, the hubby confirmed they were coming and I suggested he show T photos from previous marches and to explain what T would be doing, so he could be best prepared.
They arrived as our group entered the parade.
And you know what, this little guy did amazing.
He kept up with the group, waved his rainbow flag, gave out Mardi Gras beads and made it to the end of the nearly 3 km and 1.5 hour walk.
I chuckled when a group of parade spectators waved T down and wanted him to give them his mini rainbow flag. T gave them a high five instead and went on his merry way.
By the end of the parade, my colleagues and I had to do some cleanup and T became quite hangry.
So I apologized and ditched my peers so we could feed our tired and hungry child.
But it was minor blip in an otherwise perfect day.
When love leads the way, amazing things happen – and I will treasure this day forever.
Cute parade. T was quite supportive!
Thank you Faith. T did very well and we were so proud!
Awww!! What a great day! Actually, I sometimes feel like Canadians think they are safe from what’s happening in the US, which does worry me. I know when I left Alberta, I realized some people there need to learn what it’s really like to live under someone as extreme as Trump. Not all of you need to learn it, but some of you definitely do
The extremism is getting to be concerning. The US is only going to get worse as the 2024 elections heat up and the Republican primaries do too. Canadians definitely will feel some of that in the coming year. Let’s all hang in there together.
Yeah, definitely. I heard that when the US sneezes, Canada catches cold. I am hoping it won’t be so true this time. Plus, I have an exit plan in case I need to leave again. By the looks of things, I may need it
How great! It looks like it was a wonderful day and celebration. It was very smart to prepare T. ahead of time.
I get hangry too, so I get it 🙂
Blessings!
Thank you. It was a wonderful celebration and made the more special because T got to join us. I know Brazil, despite some conservatism, has amazing Pride celebrations too.
We Brazilians like celebrations, specially one about love and freedom. The world is becoming more accepting, or so I hope. But unfortunately, there are still small minded people in the world 🙂
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I absolutely LOVE this! Love the pictures, love the celebration, the rainbow flags, umbrellas and more. And T … who could fail to love this little boy, marching proudly with his two dads! Happy Pride Month (yes, I’m a little late … sorry!), my friend!
Thanks Jill. We’re very lucky to live in a city that celebrates and champions the community. I know it’s not like that everywhere. The SCOTUS ruling this week is a good reminder of that sadly!
You are indeed lucky to live where people don’t care who you love, what colour your skin, but open their arms to all. It should be that way everywhere in the world! Sigh. SCOTUS literally drove a stake into the heart of this nation last week.
Glad to hear that T participated in Pride with you and the hubby, along with some work colleagues. It was definitely a hot and humid weekend, so I can understand your initial hesitation. It sounds like it was a success, both in terms of T enjoying and behaving himself, and also in terms of turnout and the parade itself.
It was an amazing time, Linda, made all the more special because T joined us.
Good luck with the air quality this weekend! 😊🙏
Thanks! The air quality wasn’t actually that bad yesterday (especially compared to Wednesday). Let’s hope it stays that way!
Go, T! What a wonderful experience!
Thank you! It was wonderful. 😊
Wonderful . Across here these are beautiful celebrations as well.
Thanks Gary. The UK is very supportive as well and so glad to see that!
Congratulations on a beautiful Celebration of Liberty and Acceptance! I admit I needed to look up 2S- thanks for always teaching!
Thanks Vickie. It was a good day. I’m also learning a lot always too.
Here’s more information on Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation calls to action: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
Thanks Ab I will look at that when my grandkids go home. You’re a wonderful advocate in so many ways.
Kudos to T for joining his first ever Pride parade! It sounds like he really enjoyed the experience, and it’s nice that you prepared him of what he should expect to see during the 3 km walk. Love should lead the way, indeed!
Thanks Bama! It was a really wonderful experience and more so because T joined us. 🙂
I can hear the pride in your words Ab (bad pun- sorry) that T was so willing to join in and participate in such an important day with his dads. 🙂
Thank you, Deb. I was and am indeed quite proud of how T did. A part of me thought this was a disaster waiting to happen but he seized the moment. 😊
I agree with Wynee, love your quote finishing up this piece. So very spot on and important to be said. I love too that you showed photos and prepared T. I’ve found over the years that preparation goes a long way. It’s not a panacea, but it helps to treat kids with respect and let them know what’s coming. It can always prevent hangry moments or challenges, but when you respect your kids and give them a heads up, they tend to respect you back. Beautiful post Ab.
Thank you Brian. I’m glad you picked up on the prep piece. It is so important for kids like T to especially know what to expect in a situation. Minimizes transition issues. It ended up being a wonderful day and I’m so thankful. 🙂
What a wonderful celebration, statement, and a lesson for T!
Thank you Margie! It was a wonderful day indeed.
What a fantastic day and a huge turnout! T is such a trooper and I’m sure he wasn’t the only one that got hangry.
Thanks Diane. We treated ourselves to McDonald’s after. We earned the calories and grease from all that walking! 😆
You sure did!
I love “When love leads the way, amazing things happen – and I will treasure this day forever.”
You said it perfectly, Ab!! Congratulations on a wonderful day and celebration!
I actually attended the pride festival for the first time last year doing outreach. It was an amazing experience.
Thankfully it was held here & not San Francisco like usual.
Thank you! Glad you got to participate. I always find it to be a wonderful community building experience. San Francisco has an amazing community and annual pride too!
Thank you Wynne! 😊 I will treasure this day and celebration for a long while.