Hundreds of thousands of spectators took in the festivities of the 46th Vancouver Pride Parade on Sunday (Aug. 4) in Vancouver.
The parade featured more than 100 non-profits, community groups, school districts, businesses, local politicians and more.
Several floats with connections to Surrey participated, including Surrey school district, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Surrey-based non-profit Sher Vancouver.
Joshna Hirani, Sher's community engagement manager, participated in the parade with her wife. Hirani said for many, it was the first time they had been to a Pride event.
"We had participants who were from all over; Surrey, Abbotsford, Vancouver Island and even as far as Toronto! We had the South Asian LBGTQ+ community present, as well as allies, friends and family," Hirani said. "Sher Vancouver is a registered charity founded by Alex Sangha in 2008 with roots and presence in Surrey, so it was just amazing to have so many people show up and support it."
The float was decorated in traditional Indian fabrics in the Progress Pride flag colours and marigolds, Hirani said.
Annie Ohana, the grand marshal of the parade in 2022 and an educator at L.A. Matheson in Surrey, walked alongside staff and educators from the district.
The district participating in the parade is "important and life-affirming to so many," Ohana said.
"So many on the sidelines commented on how amazing it was to see SD36 marching. It is both a statement of how the education system needs to support its 2SLGTBQIA+ students/teachers/staff/families, a belief in building inclusive spaces, and a response to vitriolic anti-gender/SOGI movement currently attacking teachers and the education system.
"Lastly, Surrey has not always been progressive. Thirty years ago, Surrey was actively banning books and denying rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. Times are a changing and it is worth celebrating. Districts must be allies in the fight for human rights."
Surrey school district has taken part in the parade for several years, said Surrey Schools spokesperson Rena Heer.
"This event provides a valuable opportunity for the district to demonstrate its solidarity and support for the Surrey Schools 2SLGBTQI+ community. Every year, a number of staff from the district sign up to participate," Heer said.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and the university Pride Advocacy Group served as the "toonie brigade." Volunteers from KPU carried a giant rainbow flag the entire parade route, collecting donations for the Vancouver Pride Society community bursary fund.
The parade started at noon at Denman and Davie streets in Vancouver. The 3.1-km route went along Pacific Boulevard before ending near the VanPrideFest at Concord Pacific Place.
The parade was part of the Vancouver Pride Society’s weekend of festivities. The outdoor festival, VanPrideFest at Concord Pacific Place, had musicians such as Rêve, LU KALA, Witch Prophet, NADUH and BoiBnd, along with food trucks and vendors.
The theme for Vancouver Pride's Canada Pride 2024 this year was "infinite horizons."
"At the heart of 'Infinite Horizons' is the recognition of the resilience and strength of our 2SLGBTQAI+ community," Justin Khan, co-chair of the Vancouver Pride Society board of directors, said. "Our connection to this theme embodies Vancouver Pride's steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment within our community; it’s about carving out spaces where everyone feels valued and celebrated.”
