(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

shining through

Despite more negativity towards 2SLGBTQ+ community, CAPS optimistic about Central Alberta Pride Week

Aug 9, 2024 | 12:16 PM

Central Alberta Pride Week kicks off with Pride in the Park this Sunday, Aug. 11, and while it’s bound to be a celebratory week with love shining through, organizers admit they’ve had a year of staring down an increased amount of hate.

Lenny Gallant, president of the Central Alberta Pride Society (CAPS), says it’s been a particularly trying time on social media, causing a sense of volatility in the community.

Gallant alleges it was near the end of this summer’s Westerner Days Parade when people aboard the CAPS float heard a parent tell their two young children to ‘Boo!’ the group as they went by.

“It’s important we see greater attendance this year and that people take this time to rally together, especially with what lies ahead for the UCP’s plans this fall,” says Gallant, referring to the Alberta government’s plan to legislate parental consent for children aged 15 and under before they can change their name or pronouns at school – a policy some have called transphobic.

“The social media comments have been a lot harsher, and it feels like we’ve gone backwards in progression in terms of 2SLGBTQ+ rights.”

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Gallant points to the well-documented situation at this year’s Olympics involving an Algerian boxer as an example of what’s happening locally.

“Clearly people are uneducated and don’t research the facts,” he says. “People assumed the boxer was a transgender female, and it just goes to show that people don’t take the time to learn. They just jump on what they see on social media. That’s the way of the times right now and it’s scary.”

This year’s Pride in the Park, which runs from 11-6 at Rotary Recreation Park downtown, will have double the amount of vendors than last year (and is seeking more), and NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is scheduled to attend for part of the day.

The UCP have been excluded from Pride events around the province this year, including in Red Deer, due to the aforementioned incoming legislation.

Gallant and CAPS members have attempted to have more talks with Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women, but have been unsuccessful.

He says the failure to do so, and Premier Danielle Smith’s proposed legislation, continue to be a disappointing sore point.

Fir spoke to rdnewsNOW in August 2023 while attending Pride in the Park, and just after she’d spoken to Gallant

She said at the time that there are many allies within the UCP caucus, and that the party was working on proving to the 2SLGBTQ+ community that they do in fact care.

According to Gallant, a recent attempt by CAPS to partake in a roundtable discussion on 2SLGBTQ+ topics was denied.

Despite the negativity, CAPS does want to see the positivity of Pride shine bright.

“That’s what Pride is about, celebrating who we are and encouraging everyone to be their authentic selves,” says Gallant.

“Just be you and have fun. We have Pride to show that we are normal people. We need to celebrate some of the wins and not focus too much on the losses.”

Though Pride Month is in June, Gallant clarified that Central Alberta Pride Week, as well as Pride Weeks across the province, take place throughout the summer so that they can be attended by all — which they couldn’t be if held simultaneously in June.

Pride Week schedule (follow CAPS on social media to stay up-to-date)

Aug. 11

Sunday Service at Gaetz United Church – 10:30 a.m. (FREE)

Pride in the Park at Rotary Recreation Park – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (FREE)

Aug. 12

Two-Spirit Day, hosted by the Native Friendship Society at 4609 Riverside Drive – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (FREE)

Aug. 13

Rainbow Roller Disco/Dance at the Eagle Builders Centre in Blackfalds – 7 to 9 p.m. (FREE)

Aug. 14

Drag Bingo at The Golden Circle – 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Tickets are $15 via Eventbrite or at the door)

Rainbowling at Heritage Lanes – 9 to 11 p.m. (FREE)

Aug. 15

Movie in the Park at Centennial Park in Sylvan Lake (Mean Girls) – 9 p.m. (FREE)

Aug. 16

Born This Way Cabaret: A Queer Burlesque at the Baymont Hotel in Red Deer – 8 p.m. (Tickets are on Eventbrite)

Aug. 17

Drag Show at the NexSource Centre in Sylvan Lake (Viewpoint Lounge) – 8 p.m. (Tickets are on Eventbrite)

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