‘Let’s be loud, let’s be proud’: Regina’s Queen City Pride parade celebrates another year

Queen City Curling League says its proud to contribute to the celebration of Regina's pride community. (Sierra D'Souza Butts/CTV News)

One queer sports organization says it’s proud to contribute to the celebration of Regina’s pride community.

“[We want] to show representation from queer sport and to show people that there’s a spot for everyone in sport,” said Nathan Murray, board member of Queen City Curling League.

The non-profit group has been providing fun recreational activities for the 2SLGBTQI+ community for three years, and is now participating in the annual Queen City Pride parade.

“It’s very important for inclusive sport to ensure that we have a very welcoming, open space that celebrates everyone and welcomes everyone that may not have been comfortable with sports in school in particular,” explained Nathan Markwart.

“Everyone is welcome of all skill levels and we have a great time. We have great team names, we rock out to good music, and we make sport an experience that many did not experience in school.”

The parade is one of many events planned for the month by Queen City Pride to celebrate Regina’s Gender and Sexually Diverse (GSD) communities.

With over 4,000 people in attendance, co-chair Riviera Bonneau said it’s opportunities like these that allow people to be themselves.

“There is an energy that comes when you walk down that middle of the parade and you see everybody decked out in rainbows, hugging and loving,” she shared.

“Everyone is so joyous. It is an incredible feeling to feel like we were part of this. That is absolutely my favorite part to see how many people because a lot of the time queer people feel like they have to be in the shadows, and when you come to an event like this you’re like, no. Let’s be loud, let’s be proud.”

Bonneau said the parade is a great reminder of how much Regina’s queer community has grown over the years.

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“We celebrate the fact that in 1989, the people before us were able to march down Albert Street Bridge and remind people that queer people are here,” she explained, referring to the first pride marches that took place in the city.

“We need our rights, we have rights and freedoms, and we’re here to celebrate that they fought for us and we continue to fight everyday.”

Being one of the 109 floats in this year’s parade, Markwart said the organization is proud to be part of a supportive community.

“Our league and everyone here is about community building. Each and every day, we build community that are inclusive and safe spaces,” Markwart voiced.

“That’s why it’s important to participate in the parade and to show that pride is ongoing work each and every day, building inclusive and safe spaces for everyone to truly be themselves and celebrate.”