The last Vancouver Pride Parade that we attended was the one in 2019. Of course, COVID stopped everything in its tracks for a couple of years. And we were away during last year's. Every year there are changes but rather substantial ones occurred for 2023. The entire route of the parade moved to Pacific Street. In theory, that sounds better but in actuality, it was not.
Even though a bit longer and ... ahem ... straighter, gaps remained a problem. The ending booths were near the end of False Creek. Although that may have provided more space, it seems far from its rightful location near Vancouver's East End. I was impressed with the policing and traffic diversions, but not the placing of public amenities nor the majority of the participants.
The parade itself was pretty boring with mostly businesses and organizations showcasing their policies but little in the way of actual queer content. Commercialisation aside, it is great that these allies publicly support inclusion and tolerance. The rights and freedoms gained over the last 50 years are precious and at a heightened risk of being lost.
