As the first sitting premier to take part in Edmonton’s Gay Pride festivities, Premier Alison Redford speaks to a crowd of thousands of revelers about equality and respect after the 2012 Stand Out Parade at Churchill Square in that city June 9. Redford was given a rainbow sash in honour of the occasion by organizers.
photo by IAN KUCERAK/EDMONTON SUN/QMI AGENCY
by CARL JOHNSON SPECIAL TO THE SUN
After participating in Calgary’s Gay Pride parade in her bid to become Alberta’s leader last year, Alison Redford will become the first provincial premier to be a part of the annual celebration.
While Pride Calgary could not confirm Sunday whether Redford will participate in the parade itself, the Premier’s office tweeted, “Pleased to be attending the Pride Parade in Calgary on Sept. 2!”
Doug Hass, Pride Calgary Communications Director, said the news has delighted the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered (LGBT) community.
“We’re really excited that we have straight allies in the Alberta Government who are looking to support the LGBT community in Calgary,” he said, noting Redford will be addressing attendees following the parade.
The premier’s office did not return calls for comment on Sunday.
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Although Calgary has become a more inclusive and safer place for the LGBT community, there is still work to be done, said Pride Calgary president Dallas Barnes.
“The community is still feeling the violence and effects of homophobia within this city and that is why more than ever we need to celebrate Pride Calgary boldly,” he said in a press release.
“This is why we also need to empower the voices of our allies, straight or otherwise, who will help create more safe spots for the queer community.
Led by Canadian lesbian rocker and Juno Award winner Carole Pope as grand marshal, the parade will begin at Olympic Plaza and head west down Stephen Avenue towards Shaw Millenium Park, which will be the official location for the Pride Calgary Street Festival, running from noon to 6 p.m. and featuring music, dancing, community booths and a beer garden.
In June, Redford became the first sitting premier to participate in Edmonton’s Gay Pride festivities, sporting a rainbow sash and addressing revellers after the parade.
This year’s Pride Week runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3.
— with files by Katie Schneider