St. Albert Pride is putting the finishing touches on its annual Pride barbecue. The event, set for June 17 at Lions Park, is one of the most public ways that local organizers help to ensure that the community remains a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone irrespective of gender or sexual identity.
Terry Soetaert, co-ordinator of the PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians) and OutLoud groups, said that St. Albert’s inclusiveness and openness towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community is getting stronger and more open as time goes by. As proof, he mentioned the new OutLoud Talks group for 18 and over LGBTQ people who want to discuss their adult issues.
“These are the kids who started with OutLoud two or three years ago, and are now 18. The biggest thing that we noticed is it’s not like the content is more adult. We talk about virtually anything at OutLoud. It’s just that it’s more things like ‘Now I’m out of high school. What do I do? Whenever I go to get a job, is it okay for people to ask me these questions [about being] a trans person? What have you guys seen in the workforce?’ All of that kind of stuff that has nothing to do with a 15- or 16-year-old. They appreciate the more adult conversation.”
He added that an OutLoud Junior group for younger community members would also be starting up in the fall.
The Pride barbecue will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. next Saturday. Soetaert added that it would be much like last year’s event with hot dogs, music and resource kiosks but that there would also be some vendors with items for sale too.
“It’ll be fun and simple but LGBTQ positive,” he said.
A list of performers was unavailable at press time. Visit www.stalbertpride.ca for more information.
St. Albert Pride arrives near the end of Edmonton’s larger Pride Festival, which kicks off today with the incredible and popular Pride Parade. While St. Albert Pride doesn’t have an official contingent participating in that colourful display of floats and people, the St. Albert United Church will be joining other area United Churches in walking to show their acceptance and support of all God’s people.
Rev. Mervin Gallant said that this is the third year that the St. Albert United Church has been an affirming congregation.
“We have agreed that we will be open to all people, especially marginalized people,” he said. “We believe that God’s love is for all persons, period. We don’t try to get into the ‘except for’ statements.”
The church’s Affirming Ministries Program allows each congregation the opportunity to declare itself to be fully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. He added that they have also been reaching out and working with First Nations and Muslim groups to extend their hands to all people.
The parade extends down Whyte Avenue from 108 Street, turning north on 104 Street where it will end at 86 Avenue. There, participants and attendees will only have a short walk to the Pride in the Park Festival, taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Strathcona Park.
The Edmonton Pride Festival runs until Sun., June 18. Visit www.edmontonpride.ca for full details on all events.
