Ottawa’s annual Pride festival began Saturday amid some controversy as the organization behind it faces scrutiny over a pro-Palestinian statement it issued in the lead up to the festivities.
Last Tuesday, Capital Pride issued four “commitments,” pledging to recognize the “ongoing genocide” in Gaza in opening remarks, integrate a boycott list into its sponsorship reviews, host a “queer Arab showcase” and call for a ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and increased humanitarian aid.
It was met with backlash and saw The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and the Jewish Federation of Ottawa withdraw from Capital Pride-led events.
“I feel like these events should be about diversity and inclusion,” Sutcliffe said Friday. “And right now there are members of our community feeling excluded.”
Despite the response, Capital Pride executive director Callie Metler said Saturday that they’re committed to hosting a festival that welcomes everyone.
“What I just really want to drive home on that point is that everyone is welcome at our events,” Metler said.
“We’re still getting things going and we’re still kicking things off,” she added. “But we are also listening and I think that comes or rolls nicely into our theme this year: listen, learn, act.”
Metler also said she’s disappointed some felt excluded.
“We welcome everyone in the 2SLGBT community and our allies — and that includes our mayor.”
‘We need to have politics in queer spaces’
Some people celebrating the first day of Pride said they’re welcoming the discussion the statement sparked.
“I feel like we need to have politics in queer spaces for it to actually be effective activism,” said Skylar Moore, who was attending Capital Pride’s first event of the festival — a clothing swap at the Jack Purcell Community Centre and Pool.
Others who attended a Pride brunch and dance hosted by the Canadian Foundation for Aids Research (CANFAR) agreed.
“I’m really grateful they put out the statement because I think it’s really important,” said Ralph Guth, who’s attending his first Pride in Ottawa after arriving from Vienna.
“Pride is a political event by [nature]. Like, by our history, it’s a political event.”
Adrian de Armero has been frequenting Pride events in Ottawa for about six years, and while it’s always been a “fun celebration [of] love,” he said this year feels a bit different.
“You can be any religion or have any belief, but still participate, still show love and solidarity,” said de Armero, adding it was unfortunate some people were pulling out of Capital Pride events.
“I hope people can come together and celebrate something that they agree on.”
Always been about advocacy, says grand marshal
Haley Robinson, Capital Pride’s grand marshal, also weighed in while attending CANFAR’s brunch.
“I don’t think the statement was meant for anybody to feel unwelcome,” Robinson said, adding that it’s necessary that Pride remains open to polarizing conversations — including ones about global conflicts.
“People have to remember that Pride isn’t just about a parade and celebration,” they said. “It’s always been advocacy. It’s always been a fight … so I think it’s really important to continue to show your support for Palestinians and for other folks who are marginalized.”
A Cree, Filipinx two-spirit advocate and content creator, Robinson is also an ambassador for Sexfluent, a youth-driven non-profit operating out of CANFAR’s head office that focuses on HIV prevention and sexual health promotion.
Robinson said at this year’s Pride they’ll be carrying out advocacy work — and also having a good time.
“What I just gotta remember [is] that what I fight for and what I stand for is really important for the queer community, for the Indigenous community,” Robinson said. “And so I just continue to do that.”