Mirkai
27-08-2004, 17:33
This is an article taken from my local paper, the Telegraph-Journal, and it gives a good idea of one of the many reasons I love Saint John. This isn't meant to turn into a debate thread, though I'm sure it will anyway. At any rate, here it is (Go acceptance!):
Pride parade draws smalll but friendly crowd
Participants praise city's tolerance
By Sandra Davis-
Rain brings rainbows, and that's just what happened on Saturday afternoon as a couple of hundred gays, lesbians, and their supporters marched through the streets of Saint John during the city's second annual Gay Pride event.
Flags, streamers, T-shirts, even stuffed animals sported the easily-recognized colours of the rainbow, whichi have come to symbolize pridefor the diverse communities.
Saturday's rain was no doubt the reason that onlookers were few and far between this year, but that didn't stop parade participants from strutting their stuff.
Some people watching stood quiet and expresionless as the parade passed by, but most waved and clapped as its participants hooted, chanted, and cheered from Queen Square to Union and Charlotte streets, ending back at the square. Noone publically protested.
Trevor Lord of St. Stephen donned a slinky black skirt and halter-top for the event, and Saint John resident Irl Washburn was once again decked out inhis peacock-styled costume.
Mr. Lord said he wouldn't dare cross-dress in his hometown. "It would be suicide in St. Stephen, doing drag," he said, although he is "out" in St. Stephen and accepted for who he is.
He had no problem in Saint John, though, where the consensus seems to be that this city is becoming much more accepting to those wanting to live alternative lifestyles.
In fact, 18-year-old Robbie Harris of Fredericton Junction feels so welcome in the Port City he's planning on moving back. This was Mr. Harris's first Pride event.
"People come from Halifax and all over because Saint John is such a great city. Everybody's so friendly. When you come to Saint John, you can dress however you want and be who you are and you don't have to worry about anything."
Gary Darychuk, who watched the parade on Sydney Street, stood with his camera poised waiting for his friend to appear in the parade.
Mr. Darychuk moved to Saint John from Vancouver seven years ago and finds a big change has taken place in Saint John.
"I think it's a fine thing that Saint John has finally allowed this to happen. It's nice to see that Saint John is coming of age."
Katie Noel of Saint John isn't sure why Saint Johners have become more accepting of the gay community in the last little while, but says it's a good thing.
"Youth are much more accepting of things, and we have a lot of youth in the city. It's a conservative city, but it is accepting."
Pride parade draws smalll but friendly crowd
Participants praise city's tolerance
By Sandra Davis-
Rain brings rainbows, and that's just what happened on Saturday afternoon as a couple of hundred gays, lesbians, and their supporters marched through the streets of Saint John during the city's second annual Gay Pride event.
Flags, streamers, T-shirts, even stuffed animals sported the easily-recognized colours of the rainbow, whichi have come to symbolize pridefor the diverse communities.
Saturday's rain was no doubt the reason that onlookers were few and far between this year, but that didn't stop parade participants from strutting their stuff.
Some people watching stood quiet and expresionless as the parade passed by, but most waved and clapped as its participants hooted, chanted, and cheered from Queen Square to Union and Charlotte streets, ending back at the square. Noone publically protested.
Trevor Lord of St. Stephen donned a slinky black skirt and halter-top for the event, and Saint John resident Irl Washburn was once again decked out inhis peacock-styled costume.
Mr. Lord said he wouldn't dare cross-dress in his hometown. "It would be suicide in St. Stephen, doing drag," he said, although he is "out" in St. Stephen and accepted for who he is.
He had no problem in Saint John, though, where the consensus seems to be that this city is becoming much more accepting to those wanting to live alternative lifestyles.
In fact, 18-year-old Robbie Harris of Fredericton Junction feels so welcome in the Port City he's planning on moving back. This was Mr. Harris's first Pride event.
"People come from Halifax and all over because Saint John is such a great city. Everybody's so friendly. When you come to Saint John, you can dress however you want and be who you are and you don't have to worry about anything."
Gary Darychuk, who watched the parade on Sydney Street, stood with his camera poised waiting for his friend to appear in the parade.
Mr. Darychuk moved to Saint John from Vancouver seven years ago and finds a big change has taken place in Saint John.
"I think it's a fine thing that Saint John has finally allowed this to happen. It's nice to see that Saint John is coming of age."
Katie Noel of Saint John isn't sure why Saint Johners have become more accepting of the gay community in the last little while, but says it's a good thing.
"Youth are much more accepting of things, and we have a lot of youth in the city. It's a conservative city, but it is accepting."