Celebration and protest erupts during Canada's largest Pride parade in Toronto
CTV
Bubbles filled the sky and cheers rang through the streets of Toronto on Sunday as thousands of colourfully-clad revelers at Canada's largest Pride parade voiced their support for a community facing rising levels of hate and intolerance.
Bubbles filled the sky and cheers rang through the streets of Toronto on Sunday as thousands of colourfully-clad revelers at Canada's largest Pride parade voiced their support for a community facing rising levels of hate and intolerance.
The massive crowds thronged the city's downtown core, many waving rainbow fans under sunny skies as they tried to beat the heat.
Several said they felt extra impetus to attend this year's parade as LGBTQ people, both at home and abroad, face increasing attacks on their hard-won rights.
"Pride is a celebration but it's also a protest," said Sarah Rice, who travelled from London, Ont., to take in the festivities.
"I think this year in particular, it's been important for the queer community to show up, be visible, and have our voices heard."
Rice described the current time as a scary one, citing efforts to roll back rights in some places.
In the U.S., at least 20 states have enacted laws that either limit or outlaw gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors as part of a larger suite of restrictions being imposed by Republican-led state legislatures.
