Waving rainbow flags, singing, cheering, and carrying banners, Pride supporters took another step closer to equity and justice Saturday as they marched through North Bay’s downtown, sending a message that there is no place for hate in the community.
March for Equity and Justice, part of North Bay’s Pride weekend of events, moved away from using “parade.”
“It is different from previous years because we had been calling it a parade. This year we wanted to return to Pride’s roots and march with the community,” explained Brandon Mayer, board member with North Bay Pride. “A parade kind of implies something that is just for fun, a march is more political.”
Pride marches began in 1970, one year following the Stonewall riots.
“Two strong, beautiful, fantastic, trans women led the charge back then. Some folks forget Pride started with a riot and Pride started with trans women. Part of why we are here today marching, amongst our community and allies, is to remind folks that trans and queer people have and will always be, here,” explained community advocate Riley McEntee, who addressed the crowd before the march.
McEntee added the march was intended to remind people why every letter, “especially the ‘T’ belongs in LGBTQ+.”
Draped in a Pride flag, Katie Baxter-Gilbert joined friends who gathered along the march route to offer their support.
“It is always important to support Pride, especially in the current political climate, where so many rights are being infringed upon and looking to be infringed upon. It is important to stand up and say we’re here, and everyone has the right to be who they are, as they are, in the world without being persecuted or hurt,” shared Baxter-Gilbert.
“It is nice to see everybody here, and there is a good turnout of walkers to support and go along with the march,” added Aimee Dunlop.
It has been pointed out that “Pride is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity and resilience. “
“There has been a lot of interest in our events this year,” noted board member Mayer. “I would say the community is doing a much better job in awareness and acceptance.”
The march followed a weekend that included a flag raising at City Hall, a drag contest, and a march after party.
“In a society where trans people, most especially youth and women become political targets, we need to band together. The community as a whole is always stronger than our individual parts. If we are to move from surviving to thriving, we must continue to fight together in whatever ways we can,” stated McEntee.
“That is why we march today. We marched for those who weren’t sure if they would be able to make it to 25. We march for those who still don’t feel safe yet, living their truth. We march for those we’ve lost to the cruelty of our world. But we also march for love, compassion, kindness, and happiness. Things are getting better, but the fight is not over yet.”
