Several 2SLGBTQ+ organizations have ended their association with the Edmonton Pride Festival due to concerns over an increased police presence and uncertainty regarding the consideration of an application from a police-related group to participate in the parade.
The festival organizers announced via social media that they are enhancing their safety measures, which will involve a heightened police presence at the upcoming Edmonton Pride Parade and Trans March. In response to this decision, various groups, including Pride Corner on Whyte, pflag Edmonton, and the Edmonton Lesbian Event Network, declared their withdrawal from the festival.
Pride Corner on Whyte explained in a social media post that their decision was influenced by unaddressed calls to action from Black and Indigenous Trans and Queer community members. They also referenced historical incidents such as a police raid on an Edmonton bathhouse, racial profiling concerns, encampment clearances, and police responses to protests as contributing factors to their unease.
During a press conference, Trevor Watson, the executive producer of the Edmonton Pride Festival, defended the choice to increase police presence, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced security following recent attacks at Pride events in other cities. Watson stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety of attendees, marchers, and participants, even in the face of criticism.
Adebayo Katiiti, the founder of RaricaNow, a non-profit advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers, highlighted the ongoing disagreement within the community regarding police presence at Pride events. The issue was exacerbated this year by concerns surrounding the consideration of a police-affiliated group’s application to join the parade.
Katiiti expressed disappointment that marginalized community voices were disregarded in favor of engaging with law enforcement. He noted that the topic of police involvement in Pride celebrations has been contentious, with a ban on law enforcement participation in the parade following protests in 2018.
The festival organizers clarified that a police-affiliated organization would not be marching in the parade after submitting an application. They also stated their commitment to maintaining communication with the groups that opted out of this year’s event to nurture a collaborative relationship.
In response to the situation, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) emphasized their collaboration with festival organizers on traffic management and emergency preparedness. Acknowledging the global impact of hate crimes on 2SLGBTQ+ communities, EPS expressed their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all participants.
Furthermore, the Pride festival organizers confirmed that there would be no police presence at Indigenous Pride programming during the weekend, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement.