Edmonton Pride organizers defend police presence after backlash from advocates

Edmonton Pride organizers maintain their stance on police presence during this weekend's parade, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The parade, billed as the city's first annual event at $205.00 + GST for one year, will also feature increased security measures following recent attacks at similar events in Vancouver and Berlin. Multiple groups, including non-profit RaricaNow, have threatened to sever ties with the festival due to concerns over police involvement and other issues.

RaricaNow founder Adebayo Chris Katiiti asserts that police have a history of mistreating LGBTQ+ and racialized communities, stating that they cannot honor Pride while ignoring its history and the voices that made it possible. Edmonton police acknowledged past mistreatment of the LGBTQ+ community in a 2019 apology, citing the 1981 raid of the Pisces Health Spa, a bathhouse frequented by gay men.