The Quesnel Pride Society had more than just Pride to celebrate for their annual Parade this year.
2025 marks the Society’s 10th anniversary in the community.
The Annual Quesnel Pride Parade was held on Saturday, June 14, commencing at City Hall, and flowing through the town’s downtown core, and ending at LeBourdais Park.
The Pride in the Park event then kicked off, with the KidZone, DJs, dancing, and tents for all the Pride Socciety’s sponsors.
Julia Dillabough, President of the Quesnel Pride Society, marked that this year on July 20, will be the 20th anniversary of gay marriage being legal in Canada, and the importance of continuing to be strong allies with Queer communities in the region and across the country, is still just as prevelant as it was 20 years ago.
“The importance is supporting diveristy, inclusion, and acceptance in the community, that hasn’t changed,” Dillabough says.
“ When we have the support of not only those that are LGBT, LGBTQ IS two plus, and we have our allies backing us, it saves lives. Suicide amongst people that are queer is very, very high, and it’s a mental health issue, not because of who they are, because of the bullying that they face. And when we have each other backing each other up, it literally saves lives.”
Mickaela Ezowski, Vice–President of the Quesnel Pride Society, first commemorated Dillabough’s steadfastness as the Society’s President, having been a part of the organization in it’s infancy.
Ezowski also spoke on the importance of celebrating Pride and becoming strong allies in the community.
“We have our rights, but they’re constantly under threat,” Ezowski says. “If you take a look at what’s happening in the states, we [in Canada] always kind of follow closely behind them… We are visible, we are here and fighting. I think the visibility saves lives too.”
In a May City Council meeting, Dillabough vocally asked the members of Quesnel’s City Council to make an appearance at this year’s parade. At the time, Dillabough spoke on the importance to the community to see their local elected leaders show their support, while acts of bullying and harrassment were on going in the community.
Many of the councillors said they would “try” to make an appearance, quoting busy schedules and a “special camping trip” may get in the way.
On the day of the Parade, only Councillor Laurey–Anne Roodenburg made an appearance. Dressed to the nines, and proudly supporting the community in a heartwarming speech of love and community.
Dillabough Society’s membership and sponsorship are the largest this year, surpassing any previous years, and it looks to continue growing.
“It’s important to have those hard conversations. When we can come together and still promote safety and support, we can live a lot happier. That’s really what this is all about… This year we have more sponsors than ever before. We’ve put on more Rainbow Nights than ever before. We have more members than ever before. That’s not just the people of the SIALGBTQ+ demographic, this is also people who are allies who believe in supporting.”
The parade went right into Pride in the Park, that had many activities, including a bouncy castle, live DJing and shows to celebrate Pride.
At the end of the day, there was an adult themed party to wrapped up the special day in the Den.
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