Support shown for LGBTQS+ community at annual Queen City Pride Parade

The annual Queen City Pride Parade took place on Saturday. (Damian Smith / CTV News)

On Saturday, hundreds took part in the annual Queen City Pride Parade, an event meant to show support for the LGBTQS+ community.

Beginning at 12 p.m., the parade moved along its new route from the Conexus Arts Centre, down 23rd Avenue, up Albert Street, past the Legislative building, and back into Wascana Park down Lakeshore Drive.

Groups of people stood on the sidelines cheering while the parade made its way along the route.

Lydia Parker, Kathy Tysdal, and Kristi Tysdal stood on 23rd Avenue wearing “Free Mom Hugs” shirts, while Barry Holtslander stood right with them wearing a “Free Dad Hugs” shirt.

Holtslander has been giving out hugs at the parade for the past eight years.

“It happens just often enough that somebody that I hug and say, ‘I’m proud of them’ holds on for dear life and sometimes even cries because they need it,” he said. “They need some man to say, ‘You are fine, exactly the way you are, and I love you.”

Parker travelled to Regina from Moose Jaw to support the cause, with it being her fourth year on site.

“There are so many kids today who do not have parental support for being LGBTQ, and this is the moment that I can spread a little joy and give them a little love,” she said.

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Kathy Tysdal has been giving out hugs for nine years now. With numerous hugs from people passing by, there are a few that stick out.

“There’s usually a couple of hugs every year where they just cling on to me, and you just know that they have not had that love from their family. I will hug them for as long as they want until they’re ready to release. I tell them that I love them, that they are worthy and they are perfect just as they are,” she said.

Parker said stories from immigrants who come to Canada often touch them the most.

“They have no support here, and they are the ones that give for the longest and most emotional hugs. We’re trying to give them a little bit of peace and a little bit of love. It’s very heart-rending at times,” she said.

Standing beside Kathy was her daughter, Kristi, who came out as transgender 12 years ago. Since then, she has been a part of Free Mom Hugs.

“We’re [Free Mom Hugs] all over the world now just spreading love and spreading hugs and just telling especially vulnerable youth that they are loved, and even if their families reject them, that they still have love,” Kathy said.

According to Queen City Pride’s website, they tend to get over 4,000 people marching every year.

Following the parade, Wascana Park was home to OUT in the Park, which featured live performances, a marketplace, and food trucks.

The Queen City Pride Festival is set to wrap up on Saturday evening with the Pride After Party and Pride After Dark event.