‘My heart is full’: Pride parade rolls through Chatham

With rainbow flags, upbeat music and supportive signs, the annual Pride parade made its way through downtown Chatham on Saturday.

A large crowd of all ages participated in the event, including first responders, community organizations, businesses and some church congregations, in addition to members of the public lining King Street.

Chatham-Kent Pride president Marianne Willson said she was touched by the response, adding she also wasn’t surprised.

“It feels overwhelming. It feels uplifting. My heart is full,” she told The Daily News. “I see smiles around me and I see a community coming together once again. … I could not be happy.”

The parade started at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre, before making its way to Sons of Kent Brewing Co. for an afternoon of festivities.

Despite various challenges the group faced this year, such as the debate over Pride flags on municipal property — an issue that reared its head in Chatham-Kent and Southwestern Ontario — Willson said she remained confident.

She added she was never worried that last Friday’s flag-raising wasn’t going to happen.

“I never had a doubt,” she said. “Chatham-Kent looks after each other.”

A total of 25 volunteers were involved with the parade, with Willson crediting their work, along with that of other local Pride leaders, for making it a success.

“We came together as a more unified CK Pride this year than ever before,” she said.

Support has only increased over the years, she continued, noting that sponsors are often reaching out to the group, not just the other way around.

This past week, the municipality, Chatham-Kent police, fire, EMS and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance also released a unity statement backing Pride’s mission.

Marchers taking part Saturday said they were there in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Greg Simpson, pastor of St. Andrew’s United Church, called it crucial for allies to show their support vocally, as well as through their presence.

It wasn’t his first Pride parade, as he’s also participated in previous years.

“This is critically important,” he said. “We need the community to see how much support there is.”

St. Andrew’s was slated to hold a Pride service in-person and virtually on Sunday.

“God’s love is for everyone,” Simpson said.

Roger Lozon stood on King Street holding a sign that said, ‘Love is love.’

“We’d be a much happier place if we just accepted people how they are,” he said.

Pride activities continue this week. For more information, and a schedule, visit www.ckpride.com