Supporters came out in droves to support Lloydminster’s LGBTQ+ community Saturday as part of their Pride Walk.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions and a possible thunderstorm threatening to put a damper on the day, the event went ahead. The walk, held at Bud Miller Park, was staggered into several smaller groups in order to maintain physical distancing. Despite the change, it was still well attended. Organizers estimate that in total, despite them having to come in waves, 60-70 people marched in the pride walk throughout the day.
Jenson Brown, a director with the LGBTQ+ Society of Lloydminster oversaw the event planning with colleague Patty Brown. He says this is the first year they’ve done the walk and despite challenges, it was a big moment.
“Certainly once COVID hit, we never thought it would actually happen. Somebody loves us and has allowed it to be, the restrictions eased off just enough that we could do a stagger start pride walk. This is the first, this is historical, this is the first of many.”
Brown says as a transgender man himself, it was exciting to see so many friends and allies be a part of the events, both in the City and beyond it, as the events had an even larger digital reach.
The LGBTQ+ Community is now coming up with plans for 2021’s Pride. Even if the pandemic restrictions are largely gone, they plan to keep some virtual elements in conjunction with their in-person events. Brown explains this is so they can help LGBTQ+ people who aren’t publically out yet find support, and feel like they’re a part of Pride too.
They’re also looking to work with local bands, entertainers and businesses, and keep the scavenger hunt as a staple due to strong community response.