Pride Fest shows its colours

By Lethbridge Herald on June 27, 2022.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community take part of the Pride Parade Saturday morning along Stafford Drive south on their way to Galt Gardens.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – apulido@lethbridgeherald.com

L

ethbridge Pride Fest was at full swing on Saturday beginning with a parade that showcased bright colours, smiles and support for those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

Lethbridge Pride Fest Society president Lane Sterr lead the parade Saturday from a parking lot on Stafford Drive South across from the Lethbridge Public Library to Galt Gardens, where the festivities continued and hundreds gathered to enjoy a fun and colourful afternoon. 

“The lead up going straight on Stafford there wasn’t too many people and then you just turn that corner and I was gobsmacked, there were so many people cheering us on,” said Sterr about the  parade. 

He said he did not know what to expect after two years of not being able to gather and celebrate pride in June, and when he saw the amount of support he was overwhelmed. 

“The amount of support and celebration from our community is astounding. I don’t know how many people there are here today, but I’m over the moon happy about this,” said Sterr about the crowd in Galt Gardens. 

There the crowd enjoyed performances from Drag Queens from Canada drag race, local musician Sheila Miller, lava cake and multiple Djs among others. 

“We have so many amazing local vendors that are here supporting us, we have a children’s bouncy castle, free face painting, the list goes on,” said Sterr. 

He said the celebrations continued at the park until 5:30 p.m. and then it was time party all night with the adult crowd at a local club.

“Honestly the support from the community and from our vendors, my expectations were blown away. It’s actually been a very emotional day and I cried happy tears today many times already,” said Sterr. 

A similar feeling was shared by members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Amy Lambert and Tess McNaughton, who both expressed being really excited to experience pride festivities for the first time with such an amazing support from so many people.

“To see a lot of different people who are here, all ages. It’s really nice to see that and it feels super supportive, especially in southern Alberta,” said McNaughton. 

Lambert echoed her feelings and added that it is not just a celebration as there were so many things happening that needs to be recognized. 

“We’re not just here to celebrate how far we’ve come, but to keep pushing forward not only for like 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, but for reproductive rights, things that are happening,” said Lambert. 

She said it was nice to see everyone from the community gathered in one space and be proud. 

“It just goes to show we have this in Lethbridge every day, there’s this many people in Lethbridge, this is our community and sometimes we don’t see that on the forefront of it, but we’re here everyday, whether it’s in our homes or workplaces,” said Lambert. 

She said that as much as it was great to see the support at the park, that was only one day and it is very important to get the support from the community everyday. 

McNaughton added that it is important to know that people are not alone in the community, and to show clear support to those who need it. 

“It may feel like it in southern Alberta, in a small city such as Lethbridge but you’re not alone, you have these kinds of people all around you and here to support you, no matter how you identify or who you are,” said McNaughton.

She said it was awesome to see parents bringing their children to the event to show them the 2SLGBTQIA+community and their environment. 

“Even if you may not identify that way or your kids may not identify that way, but still we exist proud,” said McNaughton. 

Lambert said neither of them had ever been exposed to something like this as children. 

“I think if I went to pride parade or pride in the park as a child, things might be different growing up,” said Lambert. 

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