Brockville shows support for LGBTQ+ community at annual Pride parade

More than 30 local organizations took part in the Brockville Pride Parade on Saturday. CTV’s Jack Richardson reports.

Brockville Pride hosted its annual Pride Parade down King Street West in the city’s downtown on Saturday afternoon to support members of the LGBTQ2S+ community in the area.

At noon, over 30 groups representing different organizations and groups walked through the streets of Brockville before wrapping up at Hardy Park.

Brockville Pride began in 2011 after a LGBTQ2S+ youth in the area took their own life. The event is held to raise awareness about the issues their community faces in a rural city.

Chairperson Nicole Croteau says Brockville Pride has grown every year.

“Pride is more than just a celebration,” she said. “Representation and having Pride in rural spaces is so important to show individuals that there is community here, that you belong here, and that there’s just love to go around.”

The parade is more of a conclusion to Pride Week in Brockville. It began Monday when the city raised a Pride flag on top of the Railway Tunnel, with potlucks, comedy shows, an LGBTQ2S+ Youth prom, and a Drag Competition.

Scott Vanslyck is wearing a sign that reads “Free Dad Hugs,” because it’s the best way he can show support.

“It’s heartbreaking. Every time I wear this, the amount of people that come and just kind of cling on to me for dear life,” Vanslyck said.

“Because their father isn’t there, their father disowned them. I just can’t imagine doing that to your children. I just want to be there to give any support that I can.”

That’s the significance of Brockville Pride for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community - it’s a feeling of being accepted by members of their community.

“It’s so important to show individuals that there is community here, that you belong here, and that there’s just love to go around,” said Croteau.

Brockville Mayor Matt Wren was also in attendance.

“It seems year after year that there’s a bigger crowd. The flags raised a little higher. Wonderful to see our community being so supportive of these initiatives,” Wren said.