We all process Pride in different ways, don’t we? And that makes for fascinating discussions. But honestly, I’m done arguing with whether it’s too corporate, too political, not political enough, too much of an excuse for a party, too boring, too rude, not rude enough or any combination of the above. Been there, done that. Let’s just say that for me, after all these years, it’s one of my personal calendar’s feel-good events of the year that I’d hate to miss, despite the assault on my poor neuropathetic feet it brings with it. Believe me, six hours of standing and walking around is a challenge these days!
Above all , though with an enigmatic a theme as Super Queer, Pride this year seemed all about the fun - and that’s perfectly OK with me. Four of us from PositiveLite.com - publisher John McCullagh, Social Media Coordinator Wayne Bristow, Videographer Guy McLoughlin and myself - were on Church Street before the parade doing video interviews, the results of which you’ll see here shortly. Then in the early afternoon, we walked the block over to Yonge Street, where the sun cooperated in shining warmly on a 2.5 hour well organized parade – one full of quirkiness, camaraderie and – well, super queerness.
Political celebs Kathleen Wynne and Justin Trudeau showed up, and you’ll see them here. Toronto mayor/buffoon Rob Ford didn’t, thank god. Enough said.
Anyway, here are some of the photos I took. Mostly they are about the smiling faces with a few feathers and cute guys thrown in. Enjoy!
All photos by Bob Leahy