It’s an event that celebrates love and encourages acceptance. Gage Park was colourful today for the Pride Hamilton Festival.
The LGBTQ community still encounters a lot of hate, even at their own events.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two spirited, today was about love and acceptance.
Many teenagers and children were also enjoying the festivities, organizers say this event is especially important for young LGTBQ people as many struggle with being accepted.
Many people here say despite the progress that has been made, they still experience hate on a regular basis.
A group of protesters crashed the pride event with signs reading “Jesus opposes your pride- repent” and “If you humble yourself, God can forgive you”
But the protesters words of sin and repentance were drowned out by drums and dancing.
The message at the event was clear: only love is acceptable.
The protesters at today’s event appeared to be holding the same signs that were used at the Haldimand-Norfolk pride event in Dunnville at the end of last month. Just like at the Dunnville event, today there were many churches, unions and different allies showing their support for the LGBTQ community.
