St. John's Pride Statement in Solidarity with Palestine Action YYT

Our decision is rooted in a commitment to intersectionality and the liberation of all peoples. Palestinian Action YYT is a local movement with representation from a number of local groups. By inviting them as the Grand Marshals, we are recognizing the interconnected struggles of marginalized communities and emphasizing solidarity. We believe that by supporting movements like Palestinian Action YYT, we can amplify voices that are often silenced and work towards a more inclusive and just world. 

Everyone is welcome at Pride. Nobody is being excluded from the festival. Allies and community members impacted by these decisions are still welcome to walk in solidarity with the community, which is always free of charge. We are just asking that symbols, uniforms, and insignias associated with these groups be left at home for the day. Pride is about protecting our community, and what we consistently hear from Indigenous and racialized members is that symbols of certain organizations, like enforcement agencies, make them feel uncomfortable due to their lived experiences. While we recognize that many enforcement agencies now welcome queer people into their ranks and strive to continue this work, it is essential to listen to and respect the concerns of marginalized communities. When these communities tell us that trust has been rebuilt, we will all celebrate together. 

 St. John's Pride stands firmly against all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism. Our actions are not against any individual or religious community but are focused on supporting human rights and justice for all oppressed people, including Palestinians. We welcome Jewish people and people of all backgrounds to join us in solidarity. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and respected. This decision is about supporting marginalized communities and addressing specific concerns raised by our local partners. We believe in the liberation and equality of all people, and our commitment to this principle guides our actions. 

As it does every year, St. John's Pride contracts private road control teams to barricade cross streets and redirect traffic. We also employ private security teams throughout the festival. Instead of having the parade lead and tailed by a police cruiser, we use ambulances and our accessibility bus to ensure the safety and accessibility of all participants. 

Pride around the world is a movement founded on the protection and liberation of all peoples in solidarity. The requests put forward by community organizers were not presented as demands. Instead, they were thoughtfully drafted to reflect our shared goal of liberation for all peoples. These requests include boycotting and divesting from targeted organizations, creating a safe and welcoming festival for everyone,, and committing to reconciliation with Indigenous and racialized communities. In order to create that environment for all participants, we ask that this year’s Pride Festival and Parade be free of uniformed police presence, including any symbols or insignia associated with law enforcement. Police officers and others affiliated with law enforcement are welcome to participate in the parade as individuals, without wearing their uniforms or displaying any official logos. 

The reasoning behind this is to ensure that all attendees, particularly those from marginalized communities, feel safe and supported during the festival. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all participants in upholding this commitment.

Our priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. While we appreciate the support from individuals in law enforcement agencies, this year as in past years, we've asked them to join us without uniforms or police insignia. This approach is meant to create a more inclusive environment, especially for marginalized communities. 

By participating as individuals, law enforcement members can still show their pride, solidarity and commitment to equality, while respecting the experiences and needs of all attendees and acknowledging these voices in our community need to be heard.

We are fortunate to have a broad group of dedicated sponsors and partners. After reviewing the financial impact, despite the necessary changes, creating an environment where more people feel comfortable being their true selves was prioritized. 

The festival will continue this year and good financial stewardship over the last year makes this decision possible. We are also reaching out to new partners to account for the difference as the festival does count on the support and generosity of like-minded organizations and businesses to make the events possible. If you would like to support, contact crystal@stjpride.ca 

The St. John’s Pride Festival will take place from July 10th to July 21st, 2024, featuring a diverse range of events celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. More information about community events and St. John’s Pride-organized events can be found on our website at [stjpride.ca](https://stjpride.ca). The website also includes details for those wishing to sponsor the festival or sign up for parade entry. 

We will continue to engage with our community, listening to their feedback and working towards creating an inclusive environment for all. This includes maintaining open lines of communication with marginalized communities, ensuring their representation within our organization, and reflecting their needs and concerns in our policies and practices.