Kahnawake celebrates its first ever Pride Parade
Posted June 24, 2023 11:38 pm.
Last Updated June 24, 2023 11:48 pm.
Those part of the Mohawk community here in Kahnawake just south-west of Montreal, filled the streets for the territory’s very first pride parade Saturday.
“We’re coming together as a community to celebrate other community members,” says Calcifer Goodleaf a participant in the parade.
The parade, one that has been long awaited by many.
“First parade in Kahnawake and we had to do this,” says Colleen McComber as she points to a decorated golf cart filled with colours of the rainbow and sign saying “We Choose Love”. “We don’t want to see children’s families suffer because it’s not necessary. We’re all human. We’re all equal. We all deserve love. This is why we’re here. To support everyone, to support love,” McComber added, the parade holding a special place in her heart.
“Our daughter came out to us when she was 13, and it was a tough situation, she was very scared, ashamed, you name it. But we chose to love her through all this. We didn’t change, the love didn’t change. We love our daughter for everything she is, her strength, her beauty, her courage. So we decided to love her instead of losing her,” said McComber overwhelmed by emotion.
The main goal of the parade, to spread awareness and educate those in the community.
“It’s a small town and people’s families can be a little closed-minded sometimes. I think it’s just good to bring awareness because the more you know about it, the less you can hate it,” says Goodleaf.
“Sometimes it’s so easy, even in a small community, to feel like there’s a community of us… So to have everybody in one place is a big deal, you know? And so that that’s what I think is going to really help, you know, impact other people in the community,” says Tanner Phillips, a Paramedic, representing the Kahnawake Fire Brigade.
The community made their voices heard, many cheering along with participants on their front lawns. The first of many for those in the community, the night ended with what organizers are calling a sober dance party at the local beach, for all ages!
