The 2SLGBTQIA+ community and its allies are kicking it up a notch.
On the heels of last summer’s historic first Pride Halton Parade in downtown Milton, a bigger and more elaborate celebration is shaping up for next month.
Drag shows will be held the night before and immediately following the July 14 parade, set to return to downtown Main Street between the rainbow crosswalks at Brown and Charles.
Also added to the festivities will be an afternoon vendors market with artisans and community groups on hand. The parade itself will include its first float, and more importantly – according to its lead organizer – participation from more queer groups.
“That’s exactly what’s needed, to showcase to the 2SLGBTQIA+ folks that there is that support network, that there is a community here for them,” said Melanie Tremills, founder of PRISM Halton, which is putting on the July 14 parade that’s received financial support from a number of school unions and businesses big and small. “We’re hoping that this is going to be that memorable celebration of community, showing inclusivity in the Halton area.”
As someone who came out as gay “as a mature woman” – doing so 10 years ago – the high school educational assistant said she doesn’t have the “traumas and triggers” many young queer and trans people face when embracing their sexuality.
It was for that reason PRISM was established.
Today, it includes well over 500 collective members of various social media groups.
“I came out almost like a rocket. Like I knew what I went through not being my true self, and I didn’t want others to be that. I want to be there as a strong front and make it a little easier.”
Since moving to Milton 17 years ago, Tremills has seen signs of local progress when it comes to acceptance of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
She points to the growing support from politicians and municipalities, increased attendance at Pride flag raisings and the creation of safe spaces at Milton Public Library and Milton Community Resource Centre as examples of the inclusive strides being made.
“Those are steps. It doesn’t matter how small they are, they’re a step forward in the right direction.”
Tremills and her PRISM cohorts had initially considered rotating the parade between Halton’s four municipalities, but decided one permanent site works better for continuity.
“You kind of lose that traction you’ve been building by constantly moving,” she suggested.
While calling last year’s parade an “astounding success” with a “phenomenal” overall response, Tremills recognizes the event isn’t welcome by everybody.
“You can’t appease everyone, and why should we? I’m not here to appease them. I’m here to be a visible force and show our 2SLGBTQIA+ community that we’re here and we’re proud.”
“That animosity from other people is still increasing. The misinformation, the vocalization of discrimination is still a constant. The parade is something very significant to counteract that, to ensure there is that inclusivity.”
The Pride Halton Parade is set for a 2 p.m. start, with the vendors market opening at noon.
Visit prismhalton.com for more on the parade or to sign up as a vendor or sponsor.
Tickets can be purchased here for the July 13 drag show fundraiser, and here for the parade after party drag show.
Both are at The Eighth Note at Main and Martin streets.
