Capital Pride in the streets

After the Capital Pride parade, most Ottawa queers headed to city hall to party and take in the sweet sounds of bands like The PepTides and Hunter Valentine. Xtra caught up with five partygoers and asked, “What does Pride mean to you?”

Bert: Pride means to me a celebration of our sexuality that’s on display for everybody. If we didn’t display that pride we have, people would not recognize us and they would be prejudiced against us. Capital Pride is a fabulous event and I’m just so happy to be here.

Phil: Pride means freedom. It means being free to express yourself in any way you choose.

Wynne: It means tons of awesome people and support from an amazing community. On Pride there’s love flowing everywhere, which is one of the most important things you can get.

Kate: I’m not gay, but I’m a definite supporter. I think it’s really awesome to be out and proud. I’ve seen couples today who don’t usually or would never hold hands or kiss in public, but they are doing that today and I love that.

James: Pride to me means freedom. As Canadians, we are lucky that we live in a country where we are free to be who we are while many other countries like Uganda and Russia suppress their gay citizens.