Whitehorse will see the return of its gay pride parade during Summer Solstice tomorrow.
A parade, barbecue and party are all planned, under the banner of “24 Hours of Gaylight: Yukon Pride.” The city’s last gay pride parade was held six years ago.
Three women are behind the day’s celebrations: Stephanie Hammond, Fiona Griffin and Jules MacMillan.
The event was motivated, in part, by the recent controversies that arose in Vanier Catholic Secondary when the bishop prohibited a gay-straight alliance from forming in February.
The gay pride organizers were inspired by a public rally that saw approximately 120 Yukoners dressed in pink to protest the school’s new policy in March, said Hammond.
That’s why the Public Service Alliance of Canada moved the annual barbecue from the Robert Service Campground to the Rotary Peace Park.
Among those expected to attend are Mayor Dan Curtis, members of the Yukon’s NDP caucus and the F.H. Collins gay-straight alliance, said Hammond.
The parade will start in front of Whitehorse United Church at 1:30 p.m., on Main Street and Sixth Avenue and will trail down Main to First Avenue. The barbecue starts at 2 p.m.
The celebration will go into the night at Burnt Toast at 9 p.m., with DJ Daniel Ashley from Root Sellers to stir up the party. Tickets can be bought at the restaurant for $10, but only few remain, said Hammond.