The 2011 Pride Calgary parade and party was huge this year! Everyone and their dog was there.
Mayor Nenshi marshaled the parade and gave a speech at the beginning of the party, held this year at Shaw Millennium Park. Heck, the fact that he is the only mayor in Calgary's history to actually even attend a Pride function might have something to do with the size of the crowd. But not necessarily.
Mayor Nenshi wasn't the only politician to attend the parade. Dr. David Swann, current leader of the provincial Liberal party walked, as he has done in past parades. Now that Pride is so huge, it has prompted other policitians to join in the parade. Kent Hehr, another everywhere-man and MLA for the Calgary Buffalo constituency was glad-handing. His father, a longtime member of the Kerby Choir, showed his support by doing is famous Elvis impression. Dr. Raj Sherman, a legislative Independent and incumbent for the provincial Liberal leadership election was also there.
If anything, Pride is not just about sexual preferences. Pride also about the freedom to love and treating people equally. I loved Mayor Nenshi's shirt (on so many levels) which read "Straight Not Narrow." Also, my thanks to the hostess who gave a long list describing the types of people attending; gay, lesbian, transgender, two spirited, social activists. She gave be a label (besides photographer) that I could claim as my own, "ally." Anything that brings peace, positivity, and makes this world a little better place to live in... I'm all for.
I've been to three Pride parades and parties and they have gotten bigger each year. It's a movement. It's a celebration. It's amazing.
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An interesting side note... just discovered that Freddy Mercury, lead singer and driving force for the rock band Queen, would've been 65 today. Happy Birthday, Freddy!
