October 09, 2018

DAVIE VILLAGE POST Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada LGBTQ2+ Hub

Nanaimo’s first Pride parade marks a new era

Photo Credit To Nathaniel Christopher/Daily Xtra

In the 1990s, I longed for a gay-friendly hometown. Has Nanaimo really changed?

My first gay Pride parade was an unforgettable experience, but it certainly didn’t take place in my hometown.

“Rather than receive stares of ridicule and disgust I received looks of admiration, love and respect,” I wrote at the time. “Pride flags adorned every balcony and store window, thousands of people were cheering for me simply because I am who I am.”

“I have yet to receive such acclaim in Nanaimo,” I added.

That was 1999.

Back then I longed to see little rainbow stickers in Nanaimo’s business windows, gay and lesbian couples walking down the street holding hands without fear of being bashed and, someday, a Pride parade.

That someday finally came on June 12, 2016.

Nanaimo’s first Pride parade looked and felt much like every other Pride parade I’ve attended.

Almost everyone was decked out in rainbow colours, and Pride flags fluttered between the glut of pedestrians crisscrossing the parade route to greet friends.

Read More Here: http://www.dailyxtra.com/vancouver/news-and-ideas/opinion/nanaimos-first-pride-parade-marks-new-era-196651#DVP

Post source : Nathaniel Christopher, Daily Xtra

About The Author

Rick has lived in Vancouver since 1991 - first off Commercial Drive and now in Renfrew Heights - with his husband of 34 years, Dan. He has a background in travel, an interest in LGBT history, and a fondness for all that is geek. As co-publisher of Davie Village Post, he looks for stories and news which are relevant to LGBT Vancouver, and invites you to submit your items and ideas.

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