Pride Parade, a growing event in Vancouver (Includes interview and first-hand account)

Considered to be the second largest gay and lesbian community in North America, after the one of San Francisco, wrapped up a week of everything gay and lesbian by showing their true colours on the streets of downtown Vancouver. Because of these rich colours, ever present both on participants and the audience, the thin line that separates these two is very fuzzy and hard to determine as to who belongs where.
Starting from busy and fashionable Robson Street, they went on to Denman and continued to Beach Avenue, being cheered by thousands of viewers on almost 4 km route. Vibrant colours of their outfits and balloons were enhanced by great weather that made many show up and have fun, either to join or just come to watch.

An occasional participant of the Pride Parade in Vancouver.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Two years ago Vancouver Pride Society adopted a theme of “Educate, Liberate, Celebrate” and this year was when the second element of it was featured. Along with typical gay and lesbian or trans-gendered organizations and businesses (gay clubs and bars, for example), there were a showcase of those businesses and presentation of their services that normally don’t have anything to do with queer community but were sponsors of the parade.

Guys dancing on a moving platform, Vancouver Pride Parade.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

There were radio and TV stations, cultural organizations and church organizations. Two gay priests from the Unitarian Church of Vancouver were blessing the audience along the route of the parade; their black shirts read on their backs “no turning back”.
The event grows from one year to another adding more organizations, supporters, sponsors and participants alike.

Men or women, you be the judge, Vancouver Pride Parade.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Audience cheering the parade along the route – onlookers or participants? Vancouver Pride Parade.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Participants of the Vancouver Pride Parade.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Flags along the parade route, Vancouver Pride Parade.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Everybody can be a queen of the parade on this very day, Vancouver Pride Parade.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz