| Linda Craig remembers when some participants in Calgary’s gay pride parade wore masks over their faces because they were afraid of being exposed in the media and having their lives ruined.
"It could affect jobs, families and housing," says the co-chair of the Pride Calgary Association.
Craig says things have changed for the better for Calgary’s queer community over the past 14 years. Now thousands of people openly take part in Pride Week events, she says.
"Certainly being gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) is not as much a secret as it used to be," says Craig. "The focus of society has changed. We as a community can be out and be ourselves, and friends and family are joining in as well."
However, Craig says the GLBT community still hasn’t received complete acceptance in Calgary.
"I think there is still a safety issue with showing public affection. I don’t do it. It’s just too scary," says Craig.
Craig says Pride Week remains very important in a city where queer people are still fearful of expressing themselves.
"For one day in the year we get to walk down 17th Avenue with rainbow flags hand in hand," says Craig. "That is the most incredible experience."
Craig says she’s pleased to see many friends and family members also participate in the gay pride parade and she’s excited by how many people come out to watch.
"Last pride parade people, were actually bringing out lawn chairs and waiting for it to come by like it was the Stampede parade," she says. "They wanted a good seat."
There is no shortage of political issues involving the queer community this year, including same-sex marriage and the Goliath’s bathhouse raid trial.
However, Craig says Pride Calgary’s role is simply to create a venue for people to express themselves, not to get political. She says the focus of Pride Week has changed over the years from being overtly political to now being more of a party.
Organizers were excited at the prospect of holding the Pride Week festival in Tompkins Park, right along 17th Avenue S.W., but logistical problems may scuttle that plan. Previously, the festival has taken place at Connaught schoolyard, but this year the Uptown 17th Avenue Business Revitalization Zone approached Pride Calgary and asked if they’d be interested in holding it in the centre of the Beltline, near Mount Royal Village. However, the Stanley Cup playoffs have put a snag in that plan and the festival will likely have to be moved, says Craig.
"It’s looking like we have to move it," says Craig. "That’s a huge disappointment."
Pride Week runs this year from June 6 to 10. The parade will take place at noon on Sunday, June 6 at the corner of Second Street S.W. and 17th Avenue S.W. After the parade, there will be a street festival with a beer garden and music. Craig says organizers are still trying to decide on a location. There will also be a pride dance on June 12 at the Roundup Centre. For more information on the events, check out www.pridecalgary.ca. |
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