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