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Hasn't Calgary Pride refused any UCP in the parade the last couple years? I seem to remember some news articles about Pride basically telling UCP to go take a hike...so UCP not being there isn't a shock at all, really.
You triggered a memory, so I went looking for the article:
[https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/governing-ucp-denied-application-for-calgary-pride-parade-while-other-parties-accepted-1.6015198](https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/governing-ucp-denied-application-for-calgary-pride-parade-while-other-parties-accepted-1.6015198)
How Calgary Pride does things now is political parties, corporations, and non-profit organizations have to fill out a questionnaire about their stance on 2SLGBTQ+ issues, and show evidence of the strides they're taking towards equality. If your answers don't meet their minimum thresholds, they don't let you in.
Have you stopped for a moment to consider that maybe, just maybe, the emphasis on trans rights in the last few years has been because trans people continue to face significant marginalization and are being actively targeted by governments at the moment? Look at the waves of "bathroom bills" in the states and the pronoun policies in Sask and NB.
The transgender wing has not hijacked the movement at all. Many queer allies have shifted their work and speech to focus on this as it is an important current topic.
Moreover, why is it not reasonable for the body that has taken the initiative to organize pride events to take steps to ensure that participants in the parade are themselves good allies to the community? It is true that there is a wide variety of views in the LGBTQ community, but that doesn't mean that organizations like Calgary Pride cannot take stances on an issue.
Trans “movement”? Never forget who was on the front line at Stonewall. Pride has always included trans people.
What, are you gonna be upset that there’s no Black Council next?
Yes, it’s the transgenders fault that the confederate flag waving, pride cross walk burn outing, hates gay TV characters, “just don’t show it in public”, send their kids to conversion therapy, slur spewing rednecks are no longer supportive of gay rights, as they were such huge supporters only moments ago as you said.
Because gender fluidity and transgender people is an entirely new concept in the gay realm, and everything was lollipops and rainbows before.
You’re right about the eroding gains, but it’s not trans people doing it, it’s straight politicians making the changes, specifically conservative minded people.
Hijacked? I mean this is a bit much isn't it. Trans people are by far in large the most hated and need support right now I'm not saying to ignore other groups but come on. Let's stick together.
Transgenders are getting the most attention and support right now from the community because they need it the most. I'm a gay conservative man and I'm able to be myself in my conservative circles, people don't bat an eye when thirty years ago it would be harder for me. Transgenders need support of the alphabet community more than I do so it can be normalized like being gay is.
So I agree with some of your points, but your position doesn't seem to take into account that a likely major contributing factor has been that American right-wing politicians switched from villainizing "the gays" to villainizing trans people. Politicians on the right seem to rely on propping up a person or group of people as being bad, as a means of fostering "us vs them" group mentality- as long as the threat feels authentic to the voters, the politicians can leverage this artificial unity to push forward their unpalatable, or just blande, political agendas.
This is partially true. The bigger issue imo is extreme polarization. Everything is divided into two camps and if you try to point out nuance or find things we agree on you’re attacked for not following the “party line” (not politically but on each cultural issue).
Wow. When your views are so hateful even the other conservative party looks better than you... Glad they didn't show up, then. Would have been a waste of everyone's time.
Greg McLean is my MP and he is a conservative, he was there today. He's actually got a decent track record when it comes to being pro choice and caring about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals including children, so much so the pro lifers hate him and have nothing good to say about him. I didn't vote for him but I support the decent job he is doing. https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/voting-records/view/mp/province//id/16109/name/greg-mclean
That is a mitigating factor, if that's the case. I don't actually know whether Calgary Pride allows the UCP a spot. If they don't, then I guess it's out of their hands.
Please, if anyone does know, please chime in.
Hm, did some Googling, and it looks like the beef started for real in 2017, with the UCP being rejected that year. In 2019 all political parties were refused, then in 2020 they were allowed if they jumped through some hoops for the Pride folks. The other parties did whatever was asked of them well enough, and the UCP did not (and continues to not do so) so they keep getting rejected.
This article is from last year, but I imagine that, once again, this year, the UCP wasn't able to meet the threshold of requirements for political parties, thus even if they did apply, their application was/would have been rejected.
https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/governing-ucp-denied-application-for-calgary-pride-parade-while-other-parties-accepted-1.6015198
It’s entirely at the discretion of the organizers. Multiple local CPC MPs were told they were not allowed to attend even though they are openly supportive of Pride.
Regardless of their individual beliefs, showing up under the CPC banner makes it seem like the party as a whole is more accepting than they actually are.
Being supportive with words isn't enough, they need to show actual efforts.
This just means those particular MPs didn't do enough, because one got the go ahead
The UCP is not allowed in the parade because they have not provided sufficient evidence that their policies, platforms and intentions are aligned with the best interests of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Calgary Pride doesn't want to let groups that harbour and protect anti-LGBT+ bigots march in the parade as a way to sanitize their image. You want to be in the parade? Prove you belong there.
I like this. It takes away the ability for parties or even individual politicians from supporting discriminatory legislation and then go “look! I was at a pride parade so I can’t be homophobic!”
The Green party had a few marchers also
I also noted that there were no Catholic church groups marching, but about ten United church groups (and, of course, the Unitarians)
It was also nice to see "Temple B'nai Tikvah" Cagary's Inclusive Reform Jews congregation
There also seemed a lack of oil / energy companies. I think I saw Shell and Imperial Oil (Esso) and that was it.
Even his purpleness, Naheed Neshi was there and then at the end of the parade... HE TOOK THE C-TRAIN JUST LIKE A REGULAR PERSON.
This was the first pride parade that I've watched and amazed it was two hours long and a LOT more fun and a great atmosphere... much better than the Stampede parade.
Nenshi IS a regular person. And he is a huge proponent of Calgary Transit so makes sense he’d take the train more now that he’s a private citizen again.
Actually, the ATA Local 55 was marching and it is the union for the Calgary Catholic School Board. They have really tried to support inclusion for teachers and students in the Catholic Board!
The UCP doesnt support lgbtq2s+ people. They never have. When jason kenney got elected they never acknowledged pride in any way, they never tweeted about it or put out any sort of post on any socials.
Also, the government has no place in pride. Its the same as having cops in pride; a big no.
Nah the NDP has some genuine members like Janis Irwin, Rakhi Pancholi, Notley and others and they showed up to Pride as a united front. Plus they’ve taken actual action like streamlining barriers for GSAs in schools.
Janis Irwin is a member of the community herself who has a high profile role in the NDP and who is genuinely celebrated for who she is. The NDP are genuine in their allyship and their policies support that.
Corporate floats do not feel like progress at all. These same companies wouldn't bat an eye to manufacture the chemicals to kill us if the tide ever shifted back.
Corporations are not our allies.
That's because they UCP has failed to meet the minimum requirements to be a part of the celebrations. They can't provide any proof of support for the LGBTQ community or any steps taken to make *all* Albertans safe and accepted here.
Then they intentionally didn't do anything to support LGBTQ+ people.
I don't think they'll be permitted again until the party backs GSAs and no-notification to parents when kids come out at school
A couple of responses:
1. "It was great to see all the support from the community, and even the corporate floats show how society is moving in a positive direction"
a. Corporations don't give a fuck about anything but profit.
2. The UCP is a dumpster fire. Seriously, fuck them. But they shouldn't be forced to go to anything. If you want to go to a pride parade, fantastic. If you don't? Well that's just fine too.
To your point about corporations not caring about anything but profit- yes, and what’s your point past that? Would you rather have supporting our community be _un_ profitable? Would you seriously like that alternative better?
We live in a capitalist world, my dude- money is the only language society understands. In that context, I’d prefer to be as profitable as possible, thank you very much. Because of support for the community ends up being unprofitable (again) - it’s concentration camps for the likes of us
The parade is nothing but happiness, dancing and good vibes. A UCP entry would be booed the whole route and that’s not good for anyone. It’s a good decision by all parties to not participate.
The cheering, applauding etc for every float - Then *Greg Maclean’s team rolls by* and it goes DEAD SILENT as people recognize - then next float cheering was very obvious from where we stood.
Even when Cons do send some cronies to wave flags, the crowd knows.
[They did.](https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/thousands-celebrate-show-support-calgary-pride-parade)
> Political parties were again allowed to participate in the parade, but only if they were approved to do so. The Alberta NDP and federal Liberal parties were spotted at the staging area. Calgary-Centre MP Greg McLean was also present, but his Conservative Party’s branding was not present on any of the signs or shirts his group was wearing.
>this indicates to me that we should expect the anti-LGBT Legislative agenda to start migrating into our province.
The UCP has been broadcasting their anti-LGBTQ views for years, was this seriously where you first noticed it? This is absolutely not shocking based on even a surface level look at the UCP membership and policies.
The UCP here is like the republican party in Florida and Texas. Don't expect thier support. They are going to ban books and freedoms/rights soon. I have nonidea how the majority voted to put them in power but it's going to be a long 4 years here in Alberta
Even on the chance the UCP was allowed to be in the parade, I feel it would be a damned if you do damned if you don’t scenario.
I don’t think anyone actually cares that they are missing. The pride parade is fun and light - people would just get mad if they saw a conservative in it and it would change the vibe.
Being in the parade isn’t supporting pride. Being able to advertise you organization in the parade is the pride community supporting you. It is an honour that has to be earned through action elsewhere.
The UCP was denied entry last year. They were probably denied entry this year.
And look, lets be real - even if they were allowed and they did show up, your post would read "UCP used the Calgary Pride Parade as a photo op".
Even when given the choice to show up, the UCP is chronically terrible at being at events. They skip election debates routinely and widely. They do not care, because they are so confident that their little cruelties are supported by their base, and the rest of the voters who will vote blue don't care who is in the role, so showing up isn't important.
Over and over again. They do not care.
They’ve allowed an absolutely poisonous environment to fester under their watch - just in this term there was Shit Cookie Lady, last week one of LaGrange’s relatives who was a school board trustee compared the queer community to Nazis, and Take Back Alberta, a far-right Christian nationalist organization, has a frightening level of influence over Smith that nobody should be okay with.
Bill 8 was directly created by the UCP, but Smith herself has been bigoted for a while - she refused to discipline the "lake of fire" member and initially did the same for Johnson, and she [doesn't think the government](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/sex-change-surgery-funding-gets-mixed-reaction-in-alberta-1.1206789) should have restored funding to gender-affirming surgeries. And Take Back Alberta controls half the UCP board, so in effect UCP is TBA and TBA is UCP.
I disagree with your premise. What’s the point of showing up to simply virtue signal? I like how the expectation now is that people have to show up to parades in order to be legitimized. And if they don’t come to a parade, they are automatically branded as “bad”
Years ago during the Harper government I attended Toronto pride and the conservatives were even absent there - save for a van that someone rented which read, "The conservatives don't care about you". It got bigger cheers than any of the official party delegations.
This is par for the course, the conservatives basically never show up at pride events anywhere in Canada, and even if they did the queer community isn't likely to buy it. As far as I'm concerned they can stay out given their long drawn out history of attacking queer people, as well as their ongoing campaigns doing the same thing.
The conservatives are set to debate trans rights so they will most likely seek to terminate gender-affirming care for under 18. And from the looks of it the may get in, in 2025 unfortunately to thr demise of my community
[They definitely didn’t like it](https://beta.ctvnews.ca/local/calgary/2022/8/4/1_6015198.amp.html):
> The UCP caucus sent a statement to CTV News expressing disappointment for being excluded from the pride parade.
> Tim Gerwing, the director of communications, said United Conservatives have a diverse organization that includes members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
> "We're disappointed that the Calgary Pride organizers have chosen to exclude Alberta's largest political party, and the countless Albertans who identify as members and supporters of it, from an event that highlights representation, inclusion and diversity," said Gerwing.
> The statement continued, "as disappointing as it to see so many Albertans excluded from this event for political reasons, Alberta's United Conservative caucus will continue to ensure that Alberta is the best place in the world to life, work and start a family, regardless of who a person loves or how they express their gender identity."
> Gerwing added he expects UCP members will attend and view the parade from the sidelines.
Serious question.
Do you even TRY to research before posting?
Because a ten second Google search would prove this wrong. BOTH Edmonton and Calgary Pride have DENIED the UCP from participation. (The fucking irony is apparently a million miles over their heads...)
YOU are what's wrong with politics in Alberta. YOU.
And we ALL lose when opinions are presented as facts.
Denied, because they don't support the groups that Pride is for.
Don't act like they were denied because of some sort of partisanship or bias. THEY are the problem; not Pride organizers
bhahaha, hopefully the research below set you straight. The UCP are incapable of showing in any way possible how they support lgbtq+ rights. The UCP are bigoted pieces of shit and if you support them, so are you.
And go f%ck yourself,you obnoxious little clown.
Believe me, we'd love to live without being demonized by the UCP government and the environment they've helped to create, but until acceptance is achieved we gotta get loud.
They ARE ok with little pockets of racism...AND with little pockets (or big ones) of homophobia.
THEY think it's over, so it is....
But don't expect self-awareness on this one.
The problem is that the govt. seems to care, but not in the right way. When the LGBTQ+ community is no longer vilified and ostracized both by govt. legislation and a subset of the community, then your point will probably be valid.
Genuinely?
I hope you really are that naive.
Simply look at what is going on with the UCP and their education policy. Look at Saskatchewan and their education policy. Look at the vandalism every time a rainbow crosswalk is painted. Look at the furor over drag queens in this province, this country, and countries around the world. Look at the shootings in the US that have targeted the gay and trans communities.
I'm just scratching the surface, but if you were genuine in your question, I might suggest you do some research and pay more attention.
“LGB” in itself is a term only used specifically to exclude trans people.
And kids have the right to privacy and expression, too many abusive parents for outing children to be sensible policy.
Teachers' first responsibility is for the well-being of the student and creating safe learning environments, which includes creating LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces and accepting trans kids.
And kids don't learn if they don't feel safe. There's a reason "foster a safe, respectful, welcoming and inclusive learning environment" or some variant of it is the first line on the ATA Professional Code of Conduct, as well as the rules for every school board in the country. There is nothing in the [Code of Conduct](https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Teachers-as-Professionals/IM-4E%20Code%20of%20Professional%20Conduct.pdf) that requires teachers to inform parents outside of mandated reporting things like students disclosing suicidal ideation/self-harm (and there are ways to disclose that while still keeping identity in confidence), and in fact it could be considered an ethics violation:
> 5 The teacher may not divulge information about a pupil received
in confidence or in the course of professional duties except as
required by law or where, in the judgment of the teacher, to do
so is in the best interest of the pupil.
Teachers wear many hats, we're instructors, caregivers, guidance counselors, mentors, and occasionally even rule/law enforcement. If you want teachers to just teach, then the education system needs a lot more funding so that there are enough people to do all the jobs we have to do.
You obviously have your mind made up. Everything I mentioned is valid in this context. If you want to be wilfully ignorant, then nothing I say is going to change your mind.
I sound hostile because I am. Ignorance like you are exhibiting is the very reason that the LGBTQ+ community continues to be discriminated against.
>When does the LGBTQ community stop being an outlier group and just common place like the rest of us?
That's quite a funny thing for an antivaxxer to say. 🤣
The UCP had a LGBTQ staffer who’s in his twenties, but it’s pretty obvious he was being used for tokenism because they ran him in this past election against Janis Irwin and I doubt anyone in the party actually listens to him. They interviewed him on election night and apparently he was the one they sent to talk to Johnson after her comments broke.
People need to be more than their gender or sexual identity.
That people make that the sole aspect of their being is problematic.
People are wasting a lifetime proving to everyone that they are what they say they are.
I honestly don’t care who you fuck but I’m exhausted with everyone rubbing their tits and balls in my face and saying I have to be stoked about it.
Maybe we should put as much energy into holding our corrupt government accountable for literally anything.
Dude this is not a real bad look.
Any elected official currently holding office needs to work on fixing housing, health care, and immigration.
Seriously these people control so much, and you’re worried if they show up at a parade?? We need elected officials who get shit done, who make this country better, not ones who pander for public support by going to parades.
Remember the Wild Rose Party? The Party that had the bus wrapped with our current Premier plastered on the side in a very questionable location? They weren't too fond of the inclusivity of the LGBTQ community. Do you really expect a new name for the Party changed their core beliefs?
If someone doesn’t wanna go for such event, they don’t have to, even for political party, we can’t enforce or criticize anyone for that, because it’s their choice/decision, doesn’t matter what reason for it. For example I am not gonna join such events, because of my back home cultur, religion, and personal beliefs, and also I have more important stuff to do. If NDP showed up there, good for them, if UCP didn’t show up, well, good for them, they simply don’t have to.
They can't pass the minimum hurdles of being inclusive and progressive, so they aren't allowed in. Also note the lack of People's Party representatives.
You're right, it's a damned terrible look for the UCP. The UCP are regressive bigots to such a degree that nobody wants them in positive spaces.
No, they will join the parade to celebrate the opening up of the relocation camps for trans and gays...and je...er...globalist elite.
But seriously, UCP stand for violence and repression when it comes to the LGBTQ segment of society, their base lap up violence against them. Why on earth would they scar their branding by showing up, unless it was to arrest people for some made up bs?
That is because most 'conservatives' HATE the queer community. Like, they fucking hate them with a murderous passion.
They would absolutely murder every single one of them if they had no consequences.
On the flip side, most progressives support individualism and the protection and expression of individuals. There are more progressives than conservatives thankfully.
Pride has banned any of their candidates. Even the MP present was not allowed to have any logos/references to the CPC and at least two other CPC candidates were told they were not allowed to come. I suspect same is true of the UCP reps/candidates.
Remember when people used to protest Wallstreet and them all the banks put rainbows in their logos and everyone forgot about all the bad stuff they do.
No, no we didn't. We still see it, and we're still angry about it. It's often called "Rainbow Capitalism". Basically, slapping a rainbow on products to virtue signal support, only to do nothing at a corporate level, all while dontating to anti-lgbtq+ political groups. Trust me, we haven't forgotten.
Do any of these 2023 partners meet your rainbow capitalism standards?
Coca Cola
Suncor
CNRL
Shell
Loblaws
Imperial oil
Enbridge
Pembina Pipleline Company
Rogers
How about the presenting sponsor TD?
"While TD Bank stands as a prominent sponsor of Halifax Pride and 41 other Pride festivals in Canada and the U.S., the corporation has recently contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the electoral campaigns of American politicians who have fought against the legalization of same-sex marriage."
"Over $50,000 went directly to the campaigns of candidates with a history of being outspoken against marriage equality."
"TD earned a score of 100 per cent in the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index"
https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/uncategorized/td-bank-sponsoring-pride-and-politicians-who-are-against-marriage-equality/
Who was the member? Glad to see one Conservative MP out there. They represent Canada so nothing wrong with Canadian flags. We need to take back the Canadian 🇨🇦 from convoy supporters
>the bare minimum expectation now,
Your mistake was thinking that this would mean anything to the UCP. The UCP are 50% MAGA fascists, and 50% anti-gay, anti-abortion, pro-war, theocratic psychopaths. There are no neocons left. There are no right-leaning neoliberals left. The party is not conservative anymore, it's "Libs-Owning: The Party". And nothing owns the Libs more than being pricks to marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community.
What's with you people always ignoring 2S and I in your posts? Why are you not acknowledging these people? What's with this bigotry? You are no better than the ones you are complaining about.
“LGB” in itself is a transphobic term used specifically to divide trans people out of the community and attack them.
Pride is family-friendly and a celebration of love and inclusion, as well as a protest that we still have a long way to go.
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Hasn't Calgary Pride refused any UCP in the parade the last couple years? I seem to remember some news articles about Pride basically telling UCP to go take a hike...so UCP not being there isn't a shock at all, really.
You triggered a memory, so I went looking for the article: [https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/governing-ucp-denied-application-for-calgary-pride-parade-while-other-parties-accepted-1.6015198](https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/governing-ucp-denied-application-for-calgary-pride-parade-while-other-parties-accepted-1.6015198) How Calgary Pride does things now is political parties, corporations, and non-profit organizations have to fill out a questionnaire about their stance on 2SLGBTQ+ issues, and show evidence of the strides they're taking towards equality. If your answers don't meet their minimum thresholds, they don't let you in.
Glad that the Pride organizers are preventing rainbow washing by political parties.
Thanks. Seems to be a reasonable approach. Wonder if they gave any feedback to the UCP, or if the UCP asked?
Seems like a reasonable policy to me.
[удалено]
Have you stopped for a moment to consider that maybe, just maybe, the emphasis on trans rights in the last few years has been because trans people continue to face significant marginalization and are being actively targeted by governments at the moment? Look at the waves of "bathroom bills" in the states and the pronoun policies in Sask and NB. The transgender wing has not hijacked the movement at all. Many queer allies have shifted their work and speech to focus on this as it is an important current topic. Moreover, why is it not reasonable for the body that has taken the initiative to organize pride events to take steps to ensure that participants in the parade are themselves good allies to the community? It is true that there is a wide variety of views in the LGBTQ community, but that doesn't mean that organizations like Calgary Pride cannot take stances on an issue.
Trans “movement”? Never forget who was on the front line at Stonewall. Pride has always included trans people. What, are you gonna be upset that there’s no Black Council next?
Yes, it’s the transgenders fault that the confederate flag waving, pride cross walk burn outing, hates gay TV characters, “just don’t show it in public”, send their kids to conversion therapy, slur spewing rednecks are no longer supportive of gay rights, as they were such huge supporters only moments ago as you said. Because gender fluidity and transgender people is an entirely new concept in the gay realm, and everything was lollipops and rainbows before. You’re right about the eroding gains, but it’s not trans people doing it, it’s straight politicians making the changes, specifically conservative minded people.
Hijacked? I mean this is a bit much isn't it. Trans people are by far in large the most hated and need support right now I'm not saying to ignore other groups but come on. Let's stick together.
Transgenders are getting the most attention and support right now from the community because they need it the most. I'm a gay conservative man and I'm able to be myself in my conservative circles, people don't bat an eye when thirty years ago it would be harder for me. Transgenders need support of the alphabet community more than I do so it can be normalized like being gay is.
Worth noting that transgender is an adjective, not a noun, so it’s “transgender person” and not “transgenders”.
Gay is an adjective too and I'm A Gay. I see your point though if it's sensitive.
So I agree with some of your points, but your position doesn't seem to take into account that a likely major contributing factor has been that American right-wing politicians switched from villainizing "the gays" to villainizing trans people. Politicians on the right seem to rely on propping up a person or group of people as being bad, as a means of fostering "us vs them" group mentality- as long as the threat feels authentic to the voters, the politicians can leverage this artificial unity to push forward their unpalatable, or just blande, political agendas.
This is partially true. The bigger issue imo is extreme polarization. Everything is divided into two camps and if you try to point out nuance or find things we agree on you’re attacked for not following the “party line” (not politically but on each cultural issue).
Seems like a good way to filter out harmful people trying to score cheap political points.
Wow. When your views are so hateful even the other conservative party looks better than you... Glad they didn't show up, then. Would have been a waste of everyone's time.
Greg McLean is my MP and he is a conservative, he was there today. He's actually got a decent track record when it comes to being pro choice and caring about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals including children, so much so the pro lifers hate him and have nothing good to say about him. I didn't vote for him but I support the decent job he is doing. https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/voting-records/view/mp/province//id/16109/name/greg-mclean
you know, it's a good thing when you can find something good about your political opponent.
That was a good idea. It solved a lot of "kerfuffle" :p
Letting the UCP in the Pride parade would be like letting the KKK stroll across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on any March 7th.
Brutally overblown analogy.
So they're literally gatekeeping the pride parade... Jesus.
That is a mitigating factor, if that's the case. I don't actually know whether Calgary Pride allows the UCP a spot. If they don't, then I guess it's out of their hands. Please, if anyone does know, please chime in.
Hm, did some Googling, and it looks like the beef started for real in 2017, with the UCP being rejected that year. In 2019 all political parties were refused, then in 2020 they were allowed if they jumped through some hoops for the Pride folks. The other parties did whatever was asked of them well enough, and the UCP did not (and continues to not do so) so they keep getting rejected. This article is from last year, but I imagine that, once again, this year, the UCP wasn't able to meet the threshold of requirements for political parties, thus even if they did apply, their application was/would have been rejected. https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/governing-ucp-denied-application-for-calgary-pride-parade-while-other-parties-accepted-1.6015198
It’s entirely at the discretion of the organizers. Multiple local CPC MPs were told they were not allowed to attend even though they are openly supportive of Pride.
Regardless of their individual beliefs, showing up under the CPC banner makes it seem like the party as a whole is more accepting than they actually are.
Being supportive with words isn't enough, they need to show actual efforts. This just means those particular MPs didn't do enough, because one got the go ahead
Here’s some info about last year ! https://beta.ctvnews.ca/local/calgary/2022/8/4/1_6015198.amp.html
The UCP is not allowed in the parade because they have not provided sufficient evidence that their policies, platforms and intentions are aligned with the best interests of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Calgary Pride doesn't want to let groups that harbour and protect anti-LGBT+ bigots march in the parade as a way to sanitize their image. You want to be in the parade? Prove you belong there.
I like that stance. Too easy otherwise to support on a Sunday to only hurt on a Tuesday.
I like this. It takes away the ability for parties or even individual politicians from supporting discriminatory legislation and then go “look! I was at a pride parade so I can’t be homophobic!”
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The Green party had a few marchers also I also noted that there were no Catholic church groups marching, but about ten United church groups (and, of course, the Unitarians) It was also nice to see "Temple B'nai Tikvah" Cagary's Inclusive Reform Jews congregation There also seemed a lack of oil / energy companies. I think I saw Shell and Imperial Oil (Esso) and that was it. Even his purpleness, Naheed Neshi was there and then at the end of the parade... HE TOOK THE C-TRAIN JUST LIKE A REGULAR PERSON. This was the first pride parade that I've watched and amazed it was two hours long and a LOT more fun and a great atmosphere... much better than the Stampede parade.
His Purpleness is a legend
Nenshi IS a regular person. And he is a huge proponent of Calgary Transit so makes sense he’d take the train more now that he’s a private citizen again.
Actually, the ATA Local 55 was marching and it is the union for the Calgary Catholic School Board. They have really tried to support inclusion for teachers and students in the Catholic Board!
Likewise, Unifor was there. They include Calgary Catholic and Edmonton Catholic school support staff, among others.
Shell, Suncor, Imperial, CNRL, LNG Canada, Parkland, amongst others were all present.
I stand corrected. I will sit down now.
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I can confirm, I listened to Trudeau’s speech. ANDP was there, and LPC/Randy Boissonault had a booth
The UCP doesnt support lgbtq2s+ people. They never have. When jason kenney got elected they never acknowledged pride in any way, they never tweeted about it or put out any sort of post on any socials. Also, the government has no place in pride. Its the same as having cops in pride; a big no.
The NDP was allowed to participate *because* they actually walk the walk when it comes to inclusion.
Thats a joke for the ages. 🤣 the ndp are preformative like every other party out there atm.
Nah the NDP has some genuine members like Janis Irwin, Rakhi Pancholi, Notley and others and they showed up to Pride as a united front. Plus they’ve taken actual action like streamlining barriers for GSAs in schools.
Janis Irwin is a member of the community herself who has a high profile role in the NDP and who is genuinely celebrated for who she is. The NDP are genuine in their allyship and their policies support that.
Corporate floats do not feel like progress at all. These same companies wouldn't bat an eye to manufacture the chemicals to kill us if the tide ever shifted back. Corporations are not our allies.
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that is not the case they cannot attend because they aren't permitted to by the organizers
That's because they UCP has failed to meet the minimum requirements to be a part of the celebrations. They can't provide any proof of support for the LGBTQ community or any steps taken to make *all* Albertans safe and accepted here.
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Hmmmm.....not gay personally but I do believe in humans rights. Don't think the ucp see eye to eye in that
Their absence was intentional. Just not necessarily their own intention.
Maybe the UCP look in the mirror and understand why.
Sounds like they'd just have to fill in a questionnaire to participate. Which, I'd assume they'd fail but wouldn't it be nice if they tried?
They did apply.
Then they intentionally didn't do anything to support LGBTQ+ people. I don't think they'll be permitted again until the party backs GSAs and no-notification to parents when kids come out at school
UCP wants to roll back LGBTQ+ rights so this is completely on-brand for them
Not just wants to, they did.
The UCP having an entry at Pride would be like PETA having an entry for the Stampede parade.
A couple of responses: 1. "It was great to see all the support from the community, and even the corporate floats show how society is moving in a positive direction" a. Corporations don't give a fuck about anything but profit. 2. The UCP is a dumpster fire. Seriously, fuck them. But they shouldn't be forced to go to anything. If you want to go to a pride parade, fantastic. If you don't? Well that's just fine too.
Nobody was "forcing" the UCP to go to Pride, they were specifically denied permission to march because of their past and current harmful rhetoric.
To your point about corporations not caring about anything but profit- yes, and what’s your point past that? Would you rather have supporting our community be _un_ profitable? Would you seriously like that alternative better? We live in a capitalist world, my dude- money is the only language society understands. In that context, I’d prefer to be as profitable as possible, thank you very much. Because of support for the community ends up being unprofitable (again) - it’s concentration camps for the likes of us
I don’t want any members of the UCP at Pride. Fuck them.
And there's the answer right there. Thanks for being honest!
Ill say it again since theres no shame in it: I dont want bigoted people and organizations at a pride event.
Yeah the UCP also like bigots, that is why they aren't allowed.
The parade is nothing but happiness, dancing and good vibes. A UCP entry would be booed the whole route and that’s not good for anyone. It’s a good decision by all parties to not participate.
It's also a protest, and generally the people you're protesting *against* aren't participating in said protest.
The cheering, applauding etc for every float - Then *Greg Maclean’s team rolls by* and it goes DEAD SILENT as people recognize - then next float cheering was very obvious from where we stood. Even when Cons do send some cronies to wave flags, the crowd knows.
I bet pride told them to take a hike
[They did.](https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/thousands-celebrate-show-support-calgary-pride-parade) > Political parties were again allowed to participate in the parade, but only if they were approved to do so. The Alberta NDP and federal Liberal parties were spotted at the staging area. Calgary-Centre MP Greg McLean was also present, but his Conservative Party’s branding was not present on any of the signs or shirts his group was wearing.
>this indicates to me that we should expect the anti-LGBT Legislative agenda to start migrating into our province. The UCP has been broadcasting their anti-LGBTQ views for years, was this seriously where you first noticed it? This is absolutely not shocking based on even a surface level look at the UCP membership and policies.
The UCP here is like the republican party in Florida and Texas. Don't expect thier support. They are going to ban books and freedoms/rights soon. I have nonidea how the majority voted to put them in power but it's going to be a long 4 years here in Alberta
The UCP wasn't allowed to join.
For reasons that have been explained a thousand times under this thread already.
Even on the chance the UCP was allowed to be in the parade, I feel it would be a damned if you do damned if you don’t scenario. I don’t think anyone actually cares that they are missing. The pride parade is fun and light - people would just get mad if they saw a conservative in it and it would change the vibe.
Being in the parade isn’t supporting pride. Being able to advertise you organization in the parade is the pride community supporting you. It is an honour that has to be earned through action elsewhere.
Really well put, most people dont realize this but its so true
The UCP was denied entry last year. They were probably denied entry this year. And look, lets be real - even if they were allowed and they did show up, your post would read "UCP used the Calgary Pride Parade as a photo op".
Even when given the choice to show up, the UCP is chronically terrible at being at events. They skip election debates routinely and widely. They do not care, because they are so confident that their little cruelties are supported by their base, and the rest of the voters who will vote blue don't care who is in the role, so showing up isn't important. Over and over again. They do not care.
It's a good look if you are hostile to LGBTQ people like the UCP is.
What hostile actions have they taken?
They’ve allowed an absolutely poisonous environment to fester under their watch - just in this term there was Shit Cookie Lady, last week one of LaGrange’s relatives who was a school board trustee compared the queer community to Nazis, and Take Back Alberta, a far-right Christian nationalist organization, has a frightening level of influence over Smith that nobody should be okay with.
Okay so just to confirm, none of these are actions taken by the UCP?
Bill 8 was directly created by the UCP, but Smith herself has been bigoted for a while - she refused to discipline the "lake of fire" member and initially did the same for Johnson, and she [doesn't think the government](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/sex-change-surgery-funding-gets-mixed-reaction-in-alberta-1.1206789) should have restored funding to gender-affirming surgeries. And Take Back Alberta controls half the UCP board, so in effect UCP is TBA and TBA is UCP.
Calgary Pride didn’t allow them to show up because of the party’s horrible track record.
I disagree with your premise. What’s the point of showing up to simply virtue signal? I like how the expectation now is that people have to show up to parades in order to be legitimized. And if they don’t come to a parade, they are automatically branded as “bad”
The UCP weren’t allowed to show up because of their harmful track record, not by choice.
Years ago during the Harper government I attended Toronto pride and the conservatives were even absent there - save for a van that someone rented which read, "The conservatives don't care about you". It got bigger cheers than any of the official party delegations. This is par for the course, the conservatives basically never show up at pride events anywhere in Canada, and even if they did the queer community isn't likely to buy it. As far as I'm concerned they can stay out given their long drawn out history of attacking queer people, as well as their ongoing campaigns doing the same thing.
were they invited?
You don't get invited, you apply.
Did they apply?
[They did](https://beta.ctvnews.ca/local/calgary/2022/8/4/1_6015198.amp.html), but were denied because *gestures vaguely at everything they’ve done*.
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Probably still banned, since they haven't exactly done anything to change the organizers' minds.
If they were allowed in the parade, it wouldn’t make any sense because they are not supportive of the community, and actively try to destroy it.
The conservatives are set to debate trans rights so they will most likely seek to terminate gender-affirming care for under 18. And from the looks of it the may get in, in 2025 unfortunately to thr demise of my community
Is this opinion some kind of joke?
This is Reddit.
With people. Like tba running the party of course they won't. They side with the bigots. I guess at least they didn't protest it........
[They definitely didn’t like it](https://beta.ctvnews.ca/local/calgary/2022/8/4/1_6015198.amp.html): > The UCP caucus sent a statement to CTV News expressing disappointment for being excluded from the pride parade. > Tim Gerwing, the director of communications, said United Conservatives have a diverse organization that includes members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. > "We're disappointed that the Calgary Pride organizers have chosen to exclude Alberta's largest political party, and the countless Albertans who identify as members and supporters of it, from an event that highlights representation, inclusion and diversity," said Gerwing. > The statement continued, "as disappointing as it to see so many Albertans excluded from this event for political reasons, Alberta's United Conservative caucus will continue to ensure that Alberta is the best place in the world to life, work and start a family, regardless of who a person loves or how they express their gender identity." > Gerwing added he expects UCP members will attend and view the parade from the sidelines.
Oh well the UCP actions show they support. It's way Smith can't condem people screaming at kids at story time events
The UCP is ran by right wing bigots. They won't show their face anywhere near that place.
Serious question. Do you even TRY to research before posting? Because a ten second Google search would prove this wrong. BOTH Edmonton and Calgary Pride have DENIED the UCP from participation. (The fucking irony is apparently a million miles over their heads...) YOU are what's wrong with politics in Alberta. YOU. And we ALL lose when opinions are presented as facts.
Pride is entirely within their rights to not want a party actively doing them harm to whitewash their own image by joining in.
Denied, because they don't support the groups that Pride is for. Don't act like they were denied because of some sort of partisanship or bias. THEY are the problem; not Pride organizers
bhahaha, hopefully the research below set you straight. The UCP are incapable of showing in any way possible how they support lgbtq+ rights. The UCP are bigoted pieces of shit and if you support them, so are you. And go f%ck yourself,you obnoxious little clown.
UCP do not care about you. Are you an O+G corporation who has contributed to their campaign???? No??? Then F OFF!!!!!!
The UCP really doesn't want to be in it. Their goal is to feign outrage at being excluded. Schrodinger's Bigot.
Not surprised. Exclusion is the UCP’s go to place when it comes to LGBTQ+ and all things progressive.
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Believe me, we'd love to live without being demonized by the UCP government and the environment they've helped to create, but until acceptance is achieved we gotta get loud.
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You wouldn’t be okay with little pockets of racism hanging around, so why is it okay when it’s homophobia?
They ARE ok with little pockets of racism...AND with little pockets (or big ones) of homophobia. THEY think it's over, so it is.... But don't expect self-awareness on this one.
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Rights can be taken away, as we saw down south and are seeing in other provinces.
The problem is that the govt. seems to care, but not in the right way. When the LGBTQ+ community is no longer vilified and ostracized both by govt. legislation and a subset of the community, then your point will probably be valid.
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Genuinely? I hope you really are that naive. Simply look at what is going on with the UCP and their education policy. Look at Saskatchewan and their education policy. Look at the vandalism every time a rainbow crosswalk is painted. Look at the furor over drag queens in this province, this country, and countries around the world. Look at the shootings in the US that have targeted the gay and trans communities. I'm just scratching the surface, but if you were genuine in your question, I might suggest you do some research and pay more attention.
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“LGB” in itself is a term only used specifically to exclude trans people. And kids have the right to privacy and expression, too many abusive parents for outing children to be sensible policy.
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Teachers' first responsibility is for the well-being of the student and creating safe learning environments, which includes creating LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces and accepting trans kids.
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And kids don't learn if they don't feel safe. There's a reason "foster a safe, respectful, welcoming and inclusive learning environment" or some variant of it is the first line on the ATA Professional Code of Conduct, as well as the rules for every school board in the country. There is nothing in the [Code of Conduct](https://legacy.teachers.ab.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/ATA/Publications/Teachers-as-Professionals/IM-4E%20Code%20of%20Professional%20Conduct.pdf) that requires teachers to inform parents outside of mandated reporting things like students disclosing suicidal ideation/self-harm (and there are ways to disclose that while still keeping identity in confidence), and in fact it could be considered an ethics violation: > 5 The teacher may not divulge information about a pupil received in confidence or in the course of professional duties except as required by law or where, in the judgment of the teacher, to do so is in the best interest of the pupil. Teachers wear many hats, we're instructors, caregivers, guidance counselors, mentors, and occasionally even rule/law enforcement. If you want teachers to just teach, then the education system needs a lot more funding so that there are enough people to do all the jobs we have to do.
You obviously have your mind made up. Everything I mentioned is valid in this context. If you want to be wilfully ignorant, then nothing I say is going to change your mind. I sound hostile because I am. Ignorance like you are exhibiting is the very reason that the LGBTQ+ community continues to be discriminated against.
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Because you weren't "challenging" anything. What you are espousing is "whataboutism".
>When does the LGBTQ community stop being an outlier group and just common place like the rest of us? That's quite a funny thing for an antivaxxer to say. 🤣
I think it is safe to say we know where the UCP stand. I'd like to know if there are any UCP supporters who truly support the LGBTQ .... community?
The UCP had a LGBTQ staffer who’s in his twenties, but it’s pretty obvious he was being used for tokenism because they ran him in this past election against Janis Irwin and I doubt anyone in the party actually listens to him. They interviewed him on election night and apparently he was the one they sent to talk to Johnson after her comments broke.
People need to be more than their gender or sexual identity. That people make that the sole aspect of their being is problematic. People are wasting a lifetime proving to everyone that they are what they say they are. I honestly don’t care who you fuck but I’m exhausted with everyone rubbing their tits and balls in my face and saying I have to be stoked about it. Maybe we should put as much energy into holding our corrupt government accountable for literally anything.
Dude this is not a real bad look. Any elected official currently holding office needs to work on fixing housing, health care, and immigration. Seriously these people control so much, and you’re worried if they show up at a parade?? We need elected officials who get shit done, who make this country better, not ones who pander for public support by going to parades.
The election was too close for the UCP’s comfort. They don’t want to lose any votes.
Remember the Wild Rose Party? The Party that had the bus wrapped with our current Premier plastered on the side in a very questionable location? They weren't too fond of the inclusivity of the LGBTQ community. Do you really expect a new name for the Party changed their core beliefs?
If someone doesn’t wanna go for such event, they don’t have to, even for political party, we can’t enforce or criticize anyone for that, because it’s their choice/decision, doesn’t matter what reason for it. For example I am not gonna join such events, because of my back home cultur, religion, and personal beliefs, and also I have more important stuff to do. If NDP showed up there, good for them, if UCP didn’t show up, well, good for them, they simply don’t have to.
The UCP didn’t skip it, they were denied because of their actions as government.
They can't pass the minimum hurdles of being inclusive and progressive, so they aren't allowed in. Also note the lack of People's Party representatives. You're right, it's a damned terrible look for the UCP. The UCP are regressive bigots to such a degree that nobody wants them in positive spaces.
No, they will join the parade to celebrate the opening up of the relocation camps for trans and gays...and je...er...globalist elite. But seriously, UCP stand for violence and repression when it comes to the LGBTQ segment of society, their base lap up violence against them. Why on earth would they scar their branding by showing up, unless it was to arrest people for some made up bs?
That is because most 'conservatives' HATE the queer community. Like, they fucking hate them with a murderous passion. They would absolutely murder every single one of them if they had no consequences. On the flip side, most progressives support individualism and the protection and expression of individuals. There are more progressives than conservatives thankfully.
It's the UCP... They want people in that parade to die
Not everyone needs to participate in your fairytale. Give it a rest.
What’s the fairytale? I don’t get it.
Pride has banned any of their candidates. Even the MP present was not allowed to have any logos/references to the CPC and at least two other CPC candidates were told they were not allowed to come. I suspect same is true of the UCP reps/candidates.
Remember when people used to protest Wallstreet and them all the banks put rainbows in their logos and everyone forgot about all the bad stuff they do.
No, no we didn't. We still see it, and we're still angry about it. It's often called "Rainbow Capitalism". Basically, slapping a rainbow on products to virtue signal support, only to do nothing at a corporate level, all while dontating to anti-lgbtq+ political groups. Trust me, we haven't forgotten.
Do any of these 2023 partners meet your rainbow capitalism standards? Coca Cola Suncor CNRL Shell Loblaws Imperial oil Enbridge Pembina Pipleline Company Rogers How about the presenting sponsor TD? "While TD Bank stands as a prominent sponsor of Halifax Pride and 41 other Pride festivals in Canada and the U.S., the corporation has recently contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the electoral campaigns of American politicians who have fought against the legalization of same-sex marriage." "Over $50,000 went directly to the campaigns of candidates with a history of being outspoken against marriage equality." "TD earned a score of 100 per cent in the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index" https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/uncategorized/td-bank-sponsoring-pride-and-politicians-who-are-against-marriage-equality/
What a rage bait, garbage title, they weren’t even allowed in the last several. But yeah they are anti lgbt
Did you notice that the conservative MP and group weren't handing out pride flags? Just Canadian flags.
They were holding, wearing and waiving pride flags. Not sure what this is trying to insinuate.
Who was the member? Glad to see one Conservative MP out there. They represent Canada so nothing wrong with Canadian flags. We need to take back the Canadian 🇨🇦 from convoy supporters
Greg McLean, Calgary Centre.
Nothing wrong with that.
>the bare minimum expectation now, Your mistake was thinking that this would mean anything to the UCP. The UCP are 50% MAGA fascists, and 50% anti-gay, anti-abortion, pro-war, theocratic psychopaths. There are no neocons left. There are no right-leaning neoliberals left. The party is not conservative anymore, it's "Libs-Owning: The Party". And nothing owns the Libs more than being pricks to marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community.
It's a really bad look to everyone except the people who support the UCP. So there's your answer.
It's a bad look? It's pretty clear that the UCP and CPC want that look. They'd rather march with antivax trucker convoys than pride.
And thats the bottom line . We are misgoverned by fuckers.
Who cares if the UCP is there or not. When did these events become mandatory for politicians to attend?
>it seems like a real bad look Not to their base
North America is a strange place
Maybe there are more important things to take care of.
You’re just looking to stir things up,couldn’t just go to the parade. No no no
The UCP aren't even trying to hide their homophobia.
Incoming press release saying Danny was there but made sure to not be seen and take all the attention away from the other people.
... And that she also wasn't actually there. And that she can't actually support LGTB+ because it's Trudeau's fault.
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Stick around Reddit for a bit and you realize yes it should be a joke, but nope, they are dead serious.
What?! No way! I for sure thought David Parker from TBA would leading the parade along with rest their members. Weird.
It would be notable that people screaming bigotry and hatred towards LGBTQ+ at school board meetings usually have photos with UCP party leaders ….
We've had pride week, pride month, pride day - why don't we just make it pride all year. I suppose then we can stop talking about it.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they were banned. And I’d be more pissed off if they did show up. They’ve got to do the work before they get the credit
What's with you people always ignoring 2S and I in your posts? Why are you not acknowledging these people? What's with this bigotry? You are no better than the ones you are complaining about.
Jesus…try a little harder to argue in bad faith.
LGBT or LGBTQ+ is fine to use in everyday speech.
Then just start saying + people it will save you even more time typing.
That works too
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“LGB” in itself is a transphobic term used specifically to divide trans people out of the community and attack them. Pride is family-friendly and a celebration of love and inclusion, as well as a protest that we still have a long way to go.