Thousands of people flooded the streets of downtown Saturday (Aug. 19) to celebrate the 2023 Chilliwack Pride Festival.
They enjoyed community booths, vendors, food trucks, drag shows, story time and speeches from organizers, MLAs and the mayor of Chilliwack.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon, the Parliamentary Secretary for gender equity, pointed out that all the “love and support” shown at the Chilliwack event is the “heart” of a pride celebration.
“We must continue to denounce the rising threats, hate, misinformation, and violence against the 2LGBTQ+ community,” Paddon said, adding, “We are saying ‘Hate has no place here!’ as we celebrate.”
The MLA noted that Pride began as a protest 50 years ago.
“That’s right, and this fight is for basic human rights and it continues today, important work to ensure the struggle for equity is ongoing.”
Chilliwack Pride Society director Katie Bartel said most of their board grew up in Chilliwack.
“We never imagined that a festival like this would even be possible, but we’re here together, representing,” she said.
Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove said city council was happy to support the Pride Festival.
“We know how important it is.”
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