Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marches in Toronto’s Pride Parade
Posted July 3, 2016 4:00 am.
Last Updated July 3, 2016 2:51 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is among the tens of thousands of people on the streets of downtown Toronto for today’s annual Pride parade.
It’s the first time a sitting prime minister has marched in the parade, but as Trudeau made his way down the route he said to him it’s just another great Pride celebration.
Trudeau drew loud cheers from the crowds of people watching the parade.
Other notable politicians taking part include Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Toronto Mayor John Tory.
Before the parade, Trudeau attended an outdoor church service in the heart of the city’s gay village where he sang along to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”
The parade wraps up a month of Pride festivities in Toronto, which saw entertainment heavyweights like George Takei and Lindsay Lohan participate.
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But it has also been shadowed with grief. In early June, 49 people — predominantly LGBTQ — were killed in a mass-shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.
The month’s celebrations were dedicated to the victims, and there will be a moment of silence to remember them during the parade.
A couple of marchers in the parade carried a large black banner with “Orlando” and “We march for those who can’t.”
In an impromptu interview with television station CP24 as he was marching, Trudeau said the Florida tragedy is a reminder that “we can’t let hate go by.”
The shooting also means security is be higher than normal at this year’s parade. Police were visible even along streets adjacent to the parade route.
The 35th annual Pride Parade began at 2 p.m. , leading to road closures along the parade route until 7 p.m. Check out the route below:
