No Looking Like a Cop at the Pride Parade

[OMG!WTF!]

So I get it now. I understood logically why Pride week is important. But going to the parade today with six lgbtq teens was hugely eye opening. In short I can't believe the depth of evil it takes to not accept your own kid's sexuality. This parade made up for a tiny bit of the inadequacy provided by the "adults" in their world.

As far as blatant gotcha journalism goes, we sat next to a small group of visible minorities all dressed in rainbows. First Nenshi poses with them for a pic. Then Kent Hehr practically runs over a dozen people with his wheelchair beelining over to get his snoot in there for a picture. Then Shaw TV goes straight in for the interview. Then the NDP caucus reps all head over for pictures. And so on. The people were laughing about their unexpected stardom.

Here's my parade...The dogs were great. Lots of dogs. I was amazed at how many churches were represented. I had no idea every group has there own flag including polyamourous, asexual and fetish boys. I was hoping to see some Flames and some Stamps but I guess they were busy, middle of the season and beginning of the season. Some Roughnecks were there. A roller derby team and our female football team The Rage were there showing some moves. Twisted Element night club is going to be way too loud for me and my 40 something ears. The protestors couldn't figure out how to march backwards without tripping and getting laughed at so they just quit. CPS had a big turn out but there were more fire trucks than fire fighters. We have a surprisingly large furry community.

My heart just hurts for these kids. I want to do something for them but I don't know what.

[Stormageddon]

Versteeg, Monahan, Stajan, Gio, and Lack all marched.

[OMG!WTF!]

Originally Posted by Stormageddon

Versteeg, Monahan, Stajan, Gio, and Lack all marched.

I read that just now and have no idea how we missed them. I know they support pride all the time so I just assumed they were busy. Stamps got them Esks coming up. I missed Notley too though.

[Stormageddon]

Originally Posted by OMG!WTF!

I read that just now and have no idea how we missed them. I know they support pride all the time so I just assumed they were busy. Stamps got them Esks coming up.

Lack even took over the Flames instagram account. It was not that interesting, unfortunately.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by OMG!WTF!

So I get it now. I understood logically why Pride week is important. But going to the parade today with six lgbtq teens was hugely eye opening. In short I can't believe the depth of evil it takes to not accept your own kid's sexuality. This parade made up for a tiny bit of the inadequacy provided by the "adults" in their world.

Yup. Hence my avatar, which I'm hoping to order as a t-shirt. Just try effing with my kid because "lifestyle, abomination, bad bad bad, god god god" and you better be able to run faster scared than I can mad because I will eff your crap up. We've opened our home twice to kids who got the boot simple because of who they want to knock boots with. People are stupid.

As far as blatant gotcha journalism goes, we sat next to a small group of visible minorities all dressed in rainbows. First Nenshi poses with them for a pic. Then Kent Hehr practically runs over a dozen people with his wheelchair beelining over to get his snoot in there for a picture. Then Shaw TV goes straight in for the interview. Then the NDP caucus reps all head over for pictures. And so on. The people were laughing about their unexpected stardom.

As to the bolded, he made a beeline over towards a group my daughter was with one year, and they all turned around and moved down the street to avoid him. He's very annoying and they'd seen it previous years, and were very much not interested.

Here's my parade...The dogs were great. Lots of dogs. I was amazed at how many churches were represented. I had no idea every group has there own flag including polyamourous, asexual and fetish boys. I was hoping to see some Flames and some Stamps but I guess they were busy, middle of the season and beginning of the season. Some Roughnecks were there. A roller derby team and our female football team The Rage were there showing some moves. Twisted Element night club is going to be way too loud for me and my 40 something ears.

The dog part is one of our favorite things about Pride. My daughter dresses hers up, lol, and because they have white fur, gives them a temporary rainbow faux-hawk and does a rainbow in their tails. They get lots of pets and love it.

TE is likely going to be more than just too loud, haha. I'll go pretty much anywhere my daughter wants to take me, without any issues, but she figures TE is just too much TE for her old mum. It even makes her a bit anxious lol. The after thingy at the end of the parade is a ton of fun. The parade is a ton of fun.

The protestors couldn't figure out how to march backwards without tripping and getting laughed at so they just quit. CPS had a big turn out but there were more fire trucks than fire fighters. We have a surprisingly large furry community.

As for the protestors, last year there was only one, at least that we saw and heard about. We got funnelled into his area by the crowd as we were walking down to Millenium Park after the parade (where Pride used to end up) and he was just carrying on yelling some really nasty crap so as we walked by. The crowd just laughed at him, it was very peaceful, other than his raging, and the police just made sure to hang around and keep an eye out.

My heart just hurts for these kids. I want to do something for them but I don't know what.

Sometimes, there isn't much you can do. Sometimes, it's just being an adult in their world that they can trust, that can offer them a safe space, and who is willing to listen to them, and who is willing to just continue telling them that they aren't evil, they aren't going to cause the end of the world, that they aren't the downfall of humanity, that they aren't going to burn in hell or whatever else gets thrown at them. For some kids, just one voice of support, is enough to keep them alive.

You could also donate to organizations that support LGBTQ kids in any way (Camp fYrefly for example). And further, there is the Aura Host Home program for LGBTQ2S+ youth who are currently homeless or may become homeless because of their sexuality, which provides them with a home and support. Link

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

I didn't even notice any protesters during the parade itself. Then I looked at the pictures afterwards and saw a couple of signs and banners. But yeah, really great day for it, I was a bit worried at the starting line when it was all grey and overcast but it cleared up nicely. Good turnout, too.

[OMG!WTF!]

The importance of the turnout was surprising to me. You just kind of take it for granted that people will come to a parade. And frankly the fewer the better in my opinion. But the people I was with were seriously concerned and bummed out that there didn't seem to be a lot of people at first. Then they were so relieved and happy when people started filling in.

And further, there is the Aura Host Home program for LGBTQ2S+ youth who are currently homeless or may become homeless because of their sexuality, which provides them with a home and support. Link

Many thanks. I had no clue this was exactly what I was looking for. Wood Homes too might have a spot.

[MBates]

Sorry, I do not understand the disrespect for Kent Hehr. Maybe it's because I sat beside him in law school classes and in spite of the remarkable challenges he faced I saw just another student who wanted nothing from anyone but to be treated like just another student.

Or maybe it's knowing his remarkable courage for making a great success of his life after being dramatically thrown off his path as a talented hockey player and wondering how I could possibly have handled such a turn of events if it had happened to me:

https://www.google.ca/amp/ottawaciti...liberal-mp/amp

Or possibly it's because he is one of a select few politicians who actually genuinely supports the pride parade when it matters most - when the parade is not on and he is fighting for legislation to help the community:

https://www.google.ca/amp/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.2602757

I guess his personality is a little much for some people, but he is one of the most genuine and inspiring people I know. I would have thought especially at a pride parade, him racing over for a picture would be a very welcomed experience. Sure he is being a politician in a photo op, but he is a politician who walks the talk. And yes, I chose that phrase purposefully.

[Flash Walken]

One thing you can do to help the lgbtq community is vote for politicians/parties who prioritize helping the community.

Sounds crazy, but it is true.

[OMG!WTF!]

No disrespect for Kent Hehr at all. I really like him. But it's just funny and painfully obvious how politicians trip over themselves and literally almost run over old ladies to get the money shot with minorities at a Pride parade. That's cheesy but it has nothing to do with him as a person or his accomplishments. It's more of a jab at the profession itself. They all do it.

I was in an elevator once with Kent during the last election and he was talking to me about his platform stuff. Then he asked me if I knew who he was. I said yeah, you're Rob Anders right? He looked utterly horrified then had a good laugh. He's a good guy.

[jayswin]

As one of those who quickly condemned these exclusions as ridiculous and hypocritical I'd like to thank PepsiFree and others for thoroughly and patiently explaining the motivations and meaning behind Pride and why groups are excluded.

I get it now.

[djsFlames]

nm

[JFK]

Originally Posted by MBates

Sorry, I do not understand the disrespect for Kent Hehr. Maybe it's because I sat beside him in law school classes and in spite of the remarkable challenges he faced I saw just another student who wanted nothing from anyone but to be treated like just another student.

Or maybe it's knowing his remarkable courage for making a great success of his life after being dramatically thrown off his path as a talented hockey player and wondering how I could possibly have handled such a turn of events if it had happened to me:

https://www.google.ca/amp/ottawaciti...liberal-mp/amp

Or possibly it's because he is one of a select few politicians who actually genuinely supports the pride parade when it matters most - when the parade is not on and he is fighting for legislation to help the community:

https://www.google.ca/amp/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.2602757

I guess his personality is a little much for some people, but he is one of the most genuine and inspiring people I know. I would have thought especially at a pride parade, him racing over for a picture would be a very welcomed experience. Sure he is being a politician in a photo op, but he is a politician who walks the talk. And yes, I chose that phrase purposefully.

I didn't see any disrespect, Ken's pretty known to saddle up to every any any photo op available, calling him out on that isn't disrespectful, and man can he motor around on that chair at a shocking speed. Seeing Ken burst from handshake to handshake, photo to photo is pretty consistent with any interaction I've had with him. It also doesn't take any any of the experiences and genuine respect you have for him.

I like Ken, I used to like him more. Think he's been a failure as an MP since being elected, a disaster as veterans affair minister. Taking 132k in transitional allowance (paid for by the alberta tax payer) has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, that's never been explained. It's not illegal, he technically did nothing wrong but he went from being an MLA to MP, (70k raise in the process), that's not what the program was designed for.

[craigwd]

Originally Posted by OMG!WTF!

I was hoping to see some Flames and some Stamps but I guess they were busy, middle of the season and beginning of the season. Some Roughnecks were there. A roller derby team and our female football team The Rage were there showing some moves.

Several of the Inferno were also marching.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by JFK

I didn't see any disrespect, Ken's pretty known to saddle up to every any any photo op available, calling him out on that isn't disrespectful, and man can he motor around on that chair at a shocking speed. Seeing Ken burst from handshake to handshake, photo to photo is pretty consistent with any interaction I've had with him. It also doesn't take any any of the experiences and genuine respect you have for him.

I like Ken, I used to like him more. Think he's been a failure as an MP since being elected, a disaster as veterans affair minister. Taking 132k in transitional allowance (paid for by the alberta tax payer) has left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, that's never been explained. It's not illegal, he technically did nothing wrong but he went from being an MLA to MP, (70k raise in the process), that's not what the program was designed for.

That transitional allowance is nothing compared to what the MLAs received in the not too distant past though. They were getting insane amounts of money (like years and years of pay). I believe the current allowance is one year of pay. And he didn't just step into the new position. He resigned, and then was elected as MP. That's a lot more forthright than others have behaved (i.e. Jason Kenney campaigning for PC leadership while keeping his seat as an MP).

And his pay raise is because he was elected, but also because he was appointed to the cabinet. Cabinet ministers are paid more than regular MPs. I know Kent personally, and frankly the amount of work and obligations of his role as Veterans Affairs Minister were incredibly demanding. It sounds fun to travel to France and swing by Vimy, right? It's grueling. Kent doesn't complain and doesn't whinge about this, that's just my take. He cheerfully heads out and completes these duties. I just think it sounds like more fun than it actually is.

So yeah, he took the transition allowance with no Liberal being elected here since 1968, and after getting elected received a raise and cabinet post. I don't see how would hold that against the guy, but I guess to each their own.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Slava

That transitional allowance is nothing compared to what the MLAs received in the not too distant past though. They were getting insane amounts of money (like years and years of pay). I believe the current allowance is one year of pay. And he didn't just step into the new position. He resigned, and then was elected as MP. That's a lot more forthright than others have behaved (i.e. Jason Kenney campaigning for PC leadership while keeping his seat as an MP).

And his pay raise is because he was elected, but also because he was appointed to the cabinet. Cabinet ministers are paid more than regular MPs.I know Kent personally, and frankly the amount of work and obligations of his role as Veterans Affairs Minister were incredibly demanding. It sounds fun to travel to France and swing by Vimy, right? It's grueling. Kent doesn't complain and doesn't whinge about this, that's just my take. He cheerfully heads out and completes these duties. I just think it sounds like more fun than it actually is.

So yeah, he took the transition allowance with no Liberal being elected here since 1968, and after getting elected received a raise and cabinet post. I don't see how would hold that against the guy, but I guess to each their own.

As someone fully versed on travel for persons with disabilities that require power chairs I would agree. Every flight requires an exhaustive amount of planning depending on the needs of the person in question. Flying with powerchairs is no picnic; especially if one requires adaptive or medical equipment at the other end. Everything takes more time. There's always a real chance that your wheelchair will be damaged during loading and unloading. Odds are you'll be physically uncomfortable the entire duration of travel. Every well meaning yet oblivious person will dance on your last nerve and ask you last about the best ways to assist you. I can't imagine doing that regularly.

Honestly, for me, the travel alone would be enough to break me as a human.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by SebC

Alt-pride?

Global

I can envision a few scenarios where this statement is a mistake.

[WhiteTiger]

I guess that "come, but don't wear your uniform" isn't good enough anymore, now.

https://twitter.com/YEGPride/status/1005586613521416194

“EPS, RCMP and Military will not march in the parade until the community feels that they have taken the necessary steps for all community members to feel safe with their presence”

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by WhiteTiger

I guess that "come, but don't wear your uniform" isn't good enough anymore, now.

https://twitter.com/YEGPride/status/1005586613521416194

Different city, but it’s actually the same thing.

They can march, just not in any official capacity. So, as a citizen, not as an officer, which is the same thing that was decided in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Agree or disagree, this isn’t different than the other cities, just worded differently, so there’s nothing new or shocking here.

[WhiteTiger]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Different city, but it’s actually the same thing.

They can march, just not in any official capacity. So, as a citizen, not as an officer, which is the same thing that was decided in Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Agree or disagree, this isn’t different than the other cities, just worded differently, so there’s nothing new or shocking here.

From looking around at a couple articles about it, it is. EPS had agreed with them, and had a presence this year as well as a booth...all with people not in uniform. That is now not good enough, and they are not being invited back. So yes, this is an escalation step