Parading down Main Street in Moncton, 60 different groups with colourful flags and floats marched in celebration and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, Saturday.
Among the supporters at the 17th Annual Moncton Pride parade were MP Ginette Pettipas Taylor and New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant.
“There’s definitely people from all over the Maritimes who like to travel between different pride weeks,” said Pride organizer, Charles MacDougall. “There’s people from northern New Brunswick where there isn't a pride parade who come down for the Moncton one.”
Parade participant, Michelle LeBlanc says the parade was as an opportunity to teach younger generations about the acceptance she learned later in life.
“My heart is to come and support the community I once used to stand against,” she said.
LeBlanc says she took part in the parade as a way to teach her own children about inclusiveness.
“I don't want to teach the prejudice, stigma and discrimination that I was taught growing up,” she said. “I want my kids to believe that people are people and they're allowed to choose who they love and it doesn't matter.”
For the first time in the history of the organization, the Multicultural Association of Greater Moncton took part in the parade.
“Not only are we part of the whole process of diversity and inclusion but we're got clients who come from countries where this is either not tolerated or there are over 70 countries where it is illegal,” said Justin Ryan, from the association.
Pride Week wrapped up on Saturday evening with a free concert and party on the riverfront.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis.
