This is a blog post full of people shots from Sunday of Pride week-end. Some taken during Church Street festivities and some along the parade route. There are posed shots, selfies, and a few candids. To me, Pride is about the people – the diversity of the crowd, the non-judgemental ‘come as you want’ attitude. Put on your party hats and join the celebration.
Sunday’s Pride parade and related antics
Pride is big. By big I mean soooo many people and places happening all at once. I take pictures on that Sunday because I like mingling with the crowds, talking to people, and taking pictures of people who want their picture taken. Although I am happy to take posed shots, I prefer the candid shots. This set of photos is by no means comprehensive – that’s an impossible task. Instead it represents the people and events that I saw as I walked up Church Street, checked out the marshaling area for the parade, and then tried to find shady spots to stand to watch the parade itself (another impossibility!)… until I got too tired.
The rain let up long enough for the Dyke March to parade across Bloor and down Yonge without everyone getting wet. Lots of colour and sparkle was on display along with lots of enthusiasm and fun! This year’s theme was Resist as seen on this crocheted banner.
The usual cast of characters, plus or minus a few.
Floats, marchers, and crowds.
Flags, banners, and signs.
Flamboyance, body paint, and tutus.
Unicorns, fruit, and super soakers.
The Trans Rally and March, first of the Pride parades was last night (Friday).
below: If you were driving on Yonge street last night, perhaps you got stuck in traffic. Northbound cars on Yonge were stopped to allow the parade to cross from Bloor to Yonge. The parade continued in the southbound lanes which gave the stuck drivers and passengers a front row seat.
Last year it rained for the Trans March and in previous years the turn out was low. Whether it is because trans issues have been in the news a lot lately, or because the trans community is more visible, or because of other reasons, there were more people walking than usual.
below: Dave holding ‘Pulse’ a memorial artwork in honour of those who died at the Pulse nightclub Orlando. The piece was crocheted by Dave and the Craft Action Collective.
#loveislove | #lovealwayswins
as I walk Toronto 