Premier John Horgan issued the following statement to mark Vancouver Pride:
“After two of the toughest years in our history, people are coming together again this summer at Pride parades and festivals across the province. It’s a time to celebrate the love, joy and all the progress we’ve made. It’s time for all of us to commit to partnering with the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“We must not forget that Pride is a celebration born of protest. In the early years, the City of Vancouver refused to grant permits for Pride events. Today, the Vancouver Pride Parade is the largest in Western Canada, regularly attracting more than 650,000 people. Our government is proud to stand in solidarity with all those who fight today for equal rights.
“Over the past five years, we have made changes to ensure that people have equal access to services, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes removing gendered language regulations and making it easier to display your true gender on the government ID card. We have also strengthened sexual orientation and gender identity education in our schools, and are working to fill gaps in access to gender-affirming care.
“We’ve come a long way over the past few decades, from marriage equality and adoption access for same-sex couples to broad legal protections against discrimination. But the fight for equality is not over.
“Around the world, and especially in the United States, hard-won rights are under renewed attack. Homophobia and transphobia are on the rise. Here in British Columbia, too many people still face stigma, harassment and the threat of violence. For racialized, Indigenous and Black communities, the challenges can be even more difficult.
“As we celebrate Vancouver Pride, our government is committed to continuing the hard work needed to build a more inclusive province because we believe British Columbia is stronger when everyone is truly free to be who they are.
https://news.gov.bc.ca/27259