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Michelle Tremblay. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Michelle Tremblay

Ms. Tremblay, who came to the parade with her friends, said this year’s edition of the festival had added significance. “I just came out to my mom a few weeks ago, and I just wanted to celebrate my new-found family. I found acceptance and love.”

Melissa, Serena, Logan. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Melissa, Serena, Logan

Melissa said she feared the shootings in Orlando would cast a dark cloud on the parade. “I know a lot of people who didn’t want to come here because of [Orlando]. It’s really upsetting. My friend has an eight-month-old and she didn’t want to bring her because of it. So I think it’s more important to show up because of it,” Melissa said.

Maddy Prebble, left, and Cassandra Ducette. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Cassandra Ducette and Maddy Prebble

Ms. Ducette said that while Pride Toronto only lasts a month, the values of the festival, for her, are worth celebrating every day. The shootings in Orlando made this year’s edition even more significant, she said. “Orlando just makes you want to stand up a little more. It just kind of makes you want to show a little more support,” she said.

“The more people tear you down, the more you want to stand up and wear your colour,” Ms. Prebble added.

Peggy Bishop. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Peggy Bishop

Ms. Bishop has attended more than 15 Pride parades. She is fond of them, she said, because of their positive energy.

Claire, Eva, Jenning. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Claire, Eva, Jenning

Eva said she was moved by the floats commemorating the victims of the Orlando shootings. “We’re here to celebrate our sexuality and everybody’s else sexuality. Everybody is recognizing what’s happening in the world, and we’re celebrating ourselves and honouring those who can’t be here,” she said.

Jackie. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Jackie

This was the second time Jackie was marching in the Pride parade, but this year’s festivities were different, she said. “Everybody is coming out to support equality. Down with hate! That’s what we’re saying.”

Taylor, Tim and Robin. (Laurent Bastien Corbeil / The Globe and Mail)

Taylor, Tim and Robin Gale

While Mr. Gale has been to the Toronto’s Pride parade on eight different occasions, he said last month’s shootings in Orlando gave him second thoughts about attending this year’s edition. “I was nervous about coming here, I thought ‘What if something happens here?’” he said.