Vancouverites remember Pride celebrations past on virtual parade day

The August long weekend usually sees the colourful culmination of Vancouver’s Pride festival take over the West End in a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

But the pandemic has put a stop to the usual in-person festivities, and many have been sending virtual messages for pride this weekend while looking back on past years.

Just remembering the permanent smile on my face this time last year. #VancouverPride may have gone virtual this year, but last year will always be special. This was before I was asked to carry the trans pride flag for the party.#TransIsBeautiful #LGBTQIbaes pic.twitter.com/ULUrco1jDC

— Natalie Laura – Slow Motion Mystique (@NatalieTheCapn) August 2, 2020

Looking back at recent years and missing celebrating #VancouverPride in person.

But Pride cannot be cancelled.

As we enjoy the parade virtually today, I hope you take the chance to learn more about LGTBQ2S+ history, celebrate how far we’ve come & recognize how far we have to go pic.twitter.com/M08hC7xDAi

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) August 2, 2020

Normally I’d be in Vancouver celebrating Pride weekend now. Since I can’t, here’s a picture of me looking fancy. pic.twitter.com/CRtfrdgNGG

— Jes Battis (@jesbattis) August 2, 2020

Alone, together. Happy Vancouver Pride! pic.twitter.com/IvbYjD96rA

— Joey Gao (@dotunfolded) August 2, 2020

The Vancouver Pride Society, which organizes the city’s annual Pride celebration and parade, has several online events this year, including a virtual parade on their YouTube channel.

#Pride Parade day is here! Our partners at @vancouverpride have lots of virtual events today to celebrate, including a history of Pride documentary, the parade and sunset main stage show. Watch starting at noon:https://t.co/K74tC8cf0k#VanVirtualPride #VanPride #PrideWeek pic.twitter.com/r1b7UKasYS

— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) August 2, 2020

• See also:
  • Vancouver Pride unveils new look, virtual event lineup for 2020 festival
  • Vancouver Pride Spotlight: Meet Indigenous two-spirit DJ Orene Askew
  • Here’s how the world is celebrating Pride virtually this year

Perhaps the in-person celebration will be back next year, but for now many residents are focusing on the messages and significance of the event.

HAPPY PRIDE VANCOUVER!!

a year ago today was the friday before pride and after seeing people celebrating in the streets, specifically around this sign, i realized the time was right to share my truth with the world. i was so excited to share my experience with everyone 💗💙🤍✨ https://t.co/SQMkdA3uNs pic.twitter.com/05RNROnIb2

— emily 🌻 (@emily_dawnxo) August 2, 2020

Happy Pride, Vancouver. Last year was my first Pride.

I still remember that being one of the few times that I was completely unashamed of being trans. So many people were there, telling me there was nothing wrong with me.#HappyPride pic.twitter.com/XlBDAVpVPg

— Natalie Laura – Slow Motion Mystique (@NatalieTheCapn) August 1, 2020

Happy Pride weekend, Vancouver!!!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

I know most of my friends can’t be here and there’s no social stuff happening, but it’s still Pride and I’m still queer so I’m going to wave my little flag and hope I can celebrate it in style next year with my peeps. 🥳🥳

— Sarah B. 🏳️‍🌈🇨🇦💜🤍💚 (@Rah_Rah2011) July 31, 2020

 

Although we can’t gather together in-person for this year’s @vancouverpride Pride Parade, luckily we can still watch it together, while apart!🎉#VanVirtualPride is now live, with the parade beginning at 1 pm! Link to watch it all is here: https://t.co/aHbuxjXun0

Happy Pride!🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/fwPcVmLDer

— The West End (@WestEndBIA) August 2, 2020