Readers, it looks like you had a blast at Pride this summer.

If the summer of 2022 will be defined by anything, it’s coming together. For many, this summer marked the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that they were able to reconnect, rejoice and reinvigorate their Pride. To mark the occasion, in June we launched the Xtra Pride Photo Contest, looking for your best snaps from a summer marked by connection, parties and protests. And you delivered.

We received entries touching on community history, solidarity and struggle alongside photos that celebrated the fun of Pride with dancing, parades and, of course, puppies. Our jury had a hard time narrowing the fantastic field down, but we have a winner.

A huge congratulations to Kym Sweeny from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, who snapped the winning photo of her trans daughter Evey participating in her first Pride parade with her school at Halifax Pride. Kym will take home a Canon EOS M200 digital camera, plus four Sam & Lance subscription gift boxes.

The jury, composed of myself, executive editor Gordon Bowness and editorial designer Elham Numan, released a statement on why we felt this photo best exemplified the 2022 contest’s themes.

“Connection, party, protest: given our current moment of unprecedented attacks on queer and trans youth, whether it’s limiting gender-affirming care, censoring LGBTQ2S+-positive education or restricting who can compete in sports, this simple photograph of a trans teen, a skateboarder with attitude, marching with her school and family, the jury felt that this image is a clear winner. Joy is a unique brand of protest, something embedded in our communities’ Pride experiences, especially a first Pride, especially this year.

“A little swagger, some makeup, a banner, a supportive network … and a sparkly helmet, to boot. For the jury members, this photo screams Pride 2022.”

Congratulations to Kym and Evey, and thank you to everyone who participated!