The Politics of Pride

Yesterday was the Vancouver Pride Parade, I went down to Denman at about 10am to get a good spot and sat there for five hours until the Parade was over. Sitting for five hours on the curb is not a lot of fun, but it was worth it, the Parade was great if you ask me. One thing that always surprises and somewhat disappoints me is the lack of Liberal politicians in the Parade, both federal and provincial. Hedy Fry is of course always in the parade, and she usually has a costume on and looks great. Lorne Mayencourt was nowhere to be seen, I guess if you are not seeking re-election there is no reason to support the community. The only BC Liberal to be seen was Arthur Griffiths, who is seeking the Liberal nomination in Vancouver-West End. There were no other Liberals either BC or federal. It would be nice to see someone like Stephane Dion, Bob Rae, or Michael Ignatieff come to Vancouver to show Liberal support for the LGBT community. Gordon Campbell never shows his face at the Pride Parade, I do not imagine he would get a very good reception if he was there, but I would rather see him get a few boos than not see him at all.

What Pride really does illustrate is that among Canada’s political parties the one that has supported the LGBT community the longest, and the most vociferously is the NDP. Jack Layton rode in the parade again this year. Michael Byers, soon to be NDP candidate for the federal riding of Vancouver Centre, and Spencer Herbert who is seeking the NDP’s nomination for the provincial riding of Vancouver-West End, were both in attendance. Libby Davies always shows her support and was there once again. I am not inclined to vote for the NDP in the next federal election, but I always have to remind myself that the NDP is the only party that shows 100% support for the LGBT community. Hedy Fry has always been supportive, but her party is still full of MPs and members that do not believe in LGBT rights at all. It is always important to remember who loves you best.