The Canada Employment and Immigration Union (CEIU) will join many other unions and organizations this year in the Capital Pride parade and related events taking place between August 17-25, 2024. As a union that fights for justice, equity, and inclusion, we are proud to join our 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Ottawa’s Pride celebrations.

History of Pride

The origins of Pride are rooted in protest and activism for justice. The first Pride parade took place to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in which 2SLGBTQIA+ people in New York, led by Black and racialized trans women, fought back against police brutality. Pride continues to be both an inclusive celebration as well as a part of the movement for 2SLGBTQIA+ justice. This is especially important to remember at this time, when anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate and disinformation is being widely spread and legislated human rights are being taken away across North America and elsewhere.

CEIU supports Pride

Recently, some organizations and individuals have stated they will boycott this year’s Pride events due to a recent statement on Palestine released by Capital Pride, which organizes the Pride parade and Pride festival each year. CEIU does not support the boycott of Pride festivities. Now more than ever, CEIU believes that we need to come together in solidarity across our communities - across gender, sexuality, race, religion, ability, and all identities. Our strength is not despite our differences but because of our diversity.

CEIU encourages all of our members in the National Capital Region and beyond to join in this weekend’s Pride celebrations and show our solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

• Check out the list of Pride Week events
• Check out more resources on PSAC's website
• Learn more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ history in Canada
• March together in the Ottawa Pride parade, August 25, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m.