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