Sore feet, sore backs... but, OH!... SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Sore Feet, Sore Backs... but, OH!... SO MUCH FUN!!!

A decision made a month ago came to fruition this weekend as we made our way down to Toronto to participate in the largest annual Gay Pride Parade in North America. We were just a small contingent, representing our home town, Elliot Lake; but what we lacked in numbers, we made up for in energy!

The Elliot Lake Contingent
Patrick, Lynn, Christopher, Amber, Mark, Alan.
(Another participant, Timothy, is shown in a later photo).

We were allotted a space in the last spot but one, and were told to be at the assembly point for 3:15 p.m. Although the parade started at 2:00 p.m., they wisely staggered the arrival of floats and marchers to ease congestion. It would mean that the first participants would have completed the parade long before we were due to begin. This year, the parade was 4 hours in duration, so there must have been a record number of participants.

We had not anticipated that our contingent would not leave the assembly area until just gone 5:00 p.m., which meant that we were standing around (mostly in the shade, thank goodness) for a good couple of hours before we actually got moving! As a result, we were afforded the opportunity to meet new friends, make new connections, and witness the sheer joy and happiness of those around us.

Naval Reserve National Band

Us with Elizabeth May

Drummers from 'Spotify'

Earlier in the day, we had attended the 'Church on Church' - the annual service held by the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. We used to belong to this organization when we first got together, twenty-four years ago.

Alan with Michael Coren - a true hero in our eyes!

P.M. Justin Trudeau, making eye-contact with people when chatting with them.

In fact, it was rather special for us, as we reconnected with George - a lay-preacher - who had given a sermon during Mark's first visit to the church and who was a catalyst in helping Mark to grow in self-acceptance and unconditional love.

It had been particularly meaningful for Mark, when George quoted from one of our favourite musicals, Les Miserables, where Victor Hugo coins the phrase, 'To love another person is to see the face of God'. It was a special moment for us to be able to tell George about the healing effect his words had had on that day, so many years before.

George (second from the left) had a profound effect upon Mark, back in 1992.

It was also good to be among people of faith who were positive, accepting, and offering unconditional love - a great antidote to the poison that seems to be increasing and which, unfortunately, sometimes tempts us toss reason aside and begin to equate the word 'Christian' with hatred. It reminded us that there are good people to be found in all sorts of places - and many of the more-tolerant strands of religious traditions were present in the parade, later that afternoon.

Our friend, Maurice, with his Anglican friends

Beautiful quilt accompanying the Reformed Synagogue

Why did we decide to participate in this year's Toronto Pride? Was it because the three leaders would be present (Mayor, John Tory, Premier, Kathleen Wynne, and Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau)? If we're honest... that was partly the reason.

The three leaders, representing the three levels of government - the first time this has happened at any Pride Event

Was it because of the recent tragic events in Orlando? (We certainly felt the need to take a stand - to be part of a statement that we would not be ruled by fear - and to express our belief that Love is always stronger than hate).

However, the real reason is that it was going to be so much FUN!!!  We are always uplifted when in the presence of other positive, joyful people - and if you want to find a sea of smiling faces, then a Pride Event is ideal!

Lots of things to see and do on Church Street, Toronto

Colourful stilt walkers

Outdoor patios on a side street

Church Street - bustling before the parade

Even that great Canadian institution, Timmies, got into the spirit!

Rainbow donuts!

I loved the drumming by the 'Spotify' contingent. They certainly kept us entertained.

By the time our contingent left the starting place, the crowds along the way had definitely thinned out, but they were still 2-3 rows deep and very enthusiastic. There were so many people waving from the rooftops, and there was one stroke of genius where a balcony had been transformed into the Royal Balcony, complete with Queen, Prince Philip and other members of the Royal Family - with none other than the Pope in attendance!!!

In the end, we felt we had represented our town with honour and pride, though we also were realistic enough to realize that the loud cheers which greeted us along the way were probably meant for the larger contingent following us, 'Women Grow' - you can see why, in the photo below!!!

Patrick, Lynn, Mark, Amber, Timothy, Christopher

At the end of the day, we had to walk about 45 minutes to get back to where we had parked the car. We were tired, our feet and backs were sore, but it was soooo worth it!!

#happyfitandfree   #travelguys

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