Gay pride day vancouver 2013
Drawing on poststructuralism, queer and settler colonial studies, the paper analyzes how the Pride Houses were based on settler colonial discourses about participation and displacement. For the first time ever, Pride Houses were set up where gay and lesbian supporters watched and celebrated the Olympic events. All communities need to stand up and have a united front, demanding equality for all,” he said.ĬUPE members also joined Pride celebrations this summer in Prince George, Surrey and Victoria, with others to be held in New Westminster and the Okanagan.A new form of sporting settler homonationalism emerged in the Pride Houses at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. “With the situation in Russia right now, it’s important to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters, no matter what their orientation. I will be marching in solidarity with our sisters and brothers there – sometimes I feel like we’re going backwards instead of forwards.”ĭal Benning, CUPE BC General Vice President, agreed. As Kathy McMahon, from CUPE BC’s Pink Triangle Working Group pointed out, “I’m thinking today about the boycott against the Russian Olympics. This year’s addition of water guns was particularly popular in the scorching heat.īut for many, it was a time to remember that not everyone is lucky enough to live in such an accepting society. The CUPE float had a giant rainbow and dancers, and many generous giveaways: CUPE Pride tank tops, Frisbees, footballs, yo-yos, fans, stickers, pins, and of course, multi-coloured Pride beads. The Pride parade is an important way to publicize CUPE’s great work for LGBT rights in the workplace and in the community.
It was a great success, so this year we decided to step it up and ask the Division to join us.” Pride parade Float Captain Barry Jones, Vice President at Large for Local 116, explained: “Our local supports many community events, and last year was the first year we organized a float ourselves. The float was originally an initiative of Local 116, from the University of British Columbia, but in recent years the parade has grown and this year the local partnered with CUPE BC. Our float is a collective effort, with locals coming together for a common cause.” Secretary Treasurer Paul Faoro agreed: “It is great to see the massive attendance. Whether it’s at home, in the workplace or in the community, CUPE is dedicated to promoting an inclusive atmosphere.” “CUPE has been steadfast in promoting equal rights for all and that’s something we’re really proud of. “It’s so important to be here, celebrating diversity with my sisters and brothers!” said CUPE BC President Mark Hancock, echoing the day’s exuberant spirit. “I’m proud to walk with CUPE today, continuing that tradition of solidarity.” “CUPE has participated in the Pride parade since 2003, when it was still more of a LGBT/human rights protest,” he said. Jeffrey Cramer, a Local 1004 member, led the CUPE contingent, carrying our giant rainbow flag. On Sunday August 4 the annual parade attracted tens of thousands of spectators and did not disappoint with fabulous floats, dancers and marchers. VANCOUVER – CUPE BC was proud to join with CUPE members from throughout the Lower Mainland to celebrate the 35 th anniversary of Pride in Vancouver.