Under gloomy skies and running a little late, took place the Montreal Pride parade. Capping off a long week of festivities and celebrations. Starting off from the corner of Saint-Mathieu street and running the east along Rene-Levesque boulevard before turning onto Sanguinet street and into the Gay Village and into a massive dance party to end this years festivities.
The parade stopped right in front of my spot on the sidewalk. Signs flashed announcing that there would be a three minute moment of silence in solitude. In remembrance of the forty-nine victims of the Orlando massacre that took place in June of this year. A homophobic mass shooting at a night club.
Placards depicting photographs of the victims were raised behind a person wearing an outfit listing all of their names. Fists were held high. For the full three minutes, in what was a somber display of defiance in the face of hatred. A day normally filled with joy and fun had fallen silent. Uncharacteristic of the week long event. People of all races and religions, sexual orientations and of all heights and weights were united against hate. For three full minutes, all of us with fists raised to the sky. Everyone. United against hatred, fear and intolerance.
Under different circumstances, this would have been a sight to behold. Yet, it is hard to feel joy given the reason this demonstration was being held.
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And then Montreal went back to what it does best – celebrating life and culture. Moments later, Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Justin Trudeau, came marching along. Fortified by some rather over rambunctious police officers. Waving to the roar of the crowd, rainbow flag in the other hand. With him came wave after wave of political parties intertwined among the floats and dancers. All trying to appear relevant in the public eye.
Rugby players and Roller Derby teams, Superhero cos-players and furry mascots. Leather bound men in butt-less chaps made their way along the route, waiving and dancing. Many stopping to take a few selfies with crowd participants eager to capture a memory of the day.
It seemed like the parade would never end. For as far as the eye could see, it just kept on coming. A large semi-circle of rainbow colored balloons flew high in the sky. Gathering up people that it passed and leading them to towards a party. One that I am sure went well into the night and early morning hours of the next day.
Despite its sad and somber message and beginning, this years edition of Pride was once again a fantastic time. Filled with fun and laughter and proof that love really does conquer hate. Together with Orlando – Pride did Montreal proud. As it always does.
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