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Big crowd takes part in Regina Pride Parade

Jun 26, 2016 | 10:06 AM

The Pride Parade was held Saturday afternoon in Regina.

The parade started at 12:00 p.m.  traveled on Victoria Avenue, Broad Street, College Avenue, and Albert Street before ending in Victoria Park.

Many of those who have attended the parade in the past said this years parade is the biggest one Regina has ever had. It also boasted a diverse number of participants from across the LGBTQ community.

Cole Ramsey, who identifies as transgender, was one of those participants. 

Ramsey said identifying as transgender means, “Crossing a lot of boundaries that people expect to stay solid.”  Ramsey said that this can leave a person feeling that they have to explain themselves a lot.  Ramsey summed it up by saying “There are some places I don’t quite fit.”

The parade boasted a large number of dignitaries, from Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Schofield, to federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, to many current MLAs.  

Another dignitary was Rob Oliphant, a member of Parliament from Toronto. “I wanted this year, especially after Orlando, to drop in to a number of gay pride events across the country” Oliphant said.

Oliphant, who is gay said that he wanted to come to Regina in large part to support Ralph Goodale.  “Ralph Goodale has been a fantastic supporter of the LGBTQ community, so I choose this place to be with Ralph.”

Oliphant said he felt the event was very communal as opposed to in Toronto, where pride is more of a tourist attraction.

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