Thousands march in Calgary Pride Parade under shadow of Alberta’s new LGBTQ+ policies
The 35th annual Calgary Pride Parade and Festival took over downtown streets and Prince’s Island Park on Sunday, drawing thousands of Calgarians to celebrate diversity and inclusion. The event was one of the largest in its history, with participants from over 180 organizations marching through the city carrying banners and spreading messages of love and acceptance.
Riley Sogge, co-chair of Calgary Pride’s board of directors, expressed joy at the turnout and positivity of the event. Despite facing a $300,000 funding shortfall this year, the festival was able to secure support and put on a successful celebration.
The political environment in Alberta has made LGBTQ+ visibility more crucial than ever, with recent legislation restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors. Sogge, an openly transgender high school teacher, highlighted the importance of being out, loud, and proud in the face of adversity.
The Education Amendment Act, known as Bill 27, poses challenges for LGBTQ+ students and educators, with requirements for parental consent on preferred names and pronouns. Despite these obstacles, the Pride parade provided a safe space for the community to come together and show support for one another.
Pam Krause, president and CEO of the Centre for Sexuality, emphasized the evolution of Pride celebrations in Calgary, noting the increased presence of families, corporations, and government representatives at the event. While progress has been made, challenges such as rising incidents of hatred and violence against transgender individuals remain.
Colores del Alma, a group representing LGBTQ+ individuals from cultural minority groups, saw record participation in the parade, showcasing the growing support and acceptance within the community. SafeLink Alberta, an organization supporting people living with HIV, called for more education around sexual health to prevent the spread of infections among youth.
After the parade, the festivities continued at Prince’s Island Park with live music, drag performances, and family-friendly activities. The all-ages festival provided a space for celebration, education, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.
Overall, the Calgary Pride Parade and Festival of 2025 was a resounding success, uniting individuals from all walks of life in a colorful and vibrant display of love and acceptance.
