Crowds celebrate Pride in Waterloo region despite security concerns
Hundreds of people turned up for the inaugural Pride street party in Cambridge on Saturday, while others packed Victoria Park in Kitchener for the Tri- Pride event.
"We have so many people that are just so excited this is happening in their streets, so here we are celebrating,” said Bryan Causarano, board member of Grand River Pride.
According to those attending, the events carry renewed significance in the face of a rising tide of hate towards the LGBTQ2S+ community.
In recent days there have been instances of damaged Pride art and décor locally, including tire marks found on Waterloo's Rainbow Crosswalk at Willis Way.
A 59-year-old man was also recently charged in connection with Pride signs being removed and threatening people in Cambridge.
On Friday, anti-trans protesters faced-off against counter protesters in Ottawa, where five people were arrested.
In the lead-up to Pride Month, the National Association of Canada Pride Organizations sent an emergency funding proposal to the federal government to help cover security costs amid rising anti-Queer hate, violence and threats.
“We had to increase our security this year from our normal amounts,” said Fabian Fletcher, the president of the board of directors for Tri-Pride. “We went from two to six actually just to make sure that, you know, we have safety in our community.”
Despite their concerns, organizers said Saturday’s events in Waterloo region have been a huge success.
“We’re just here to celebrate and have a good time and remind folks that pride is a celebration but also a protest,” said Fletcher.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.