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Ottawa Capital Pride celebration faces criticism after releasing pro-Palestinian statement

August is Pride Month in Ottawa and although controversy rained on the Pride Parade the celebration shined through the storm because that's how rainbows are made! In Ottawa, we get to celebrate Pride in June AND in August!! Why is Ottawa Pride Month in August? Here's a little bit of history! The first major Canadian LGBTQIA+ human rights march in Ottawa occurred on August 28, 1971. Approximately 100 people from Ontario- Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and surrounding areas- protested at Parliament Hill.

It was Canada's first 'Gay Liberation Protest and March.' Protesters submitted a petition to the government that contained a list of ten demands for equal rights and protections for the queer population in Canada. A lot of queer folks in Canada who are out and proud owe their safety and rights to this group of brave human rights advocates.

Hazel the Saint Bernese dog standing in front of a sign that says You Are Beautiful in Ottawa, Paws For Reaction blog

As many of you know, Hazel loves everyone. She believes that love is love, diversity should be celebrated, and tolerance is the foundation of an equitable society. Sadly, Capital Pride is unjustly being criticized for releasing a statement standing in solidarity with Palestine. Capital Pride was slandered by pro-Israel groups, who falsely claimed the statement was antisemitic, making them feel excluded from the festivities.

LGBTQIA+ issues are human rights issues- and what is happening in Palestine is, at the very least, a huge violation of human rights. It should be no surprise that human rights groups would stand together in solidarity. Denouncing Israel’s violence and genocide against Palestinians is not antisemitic- it is a legitimate stance that is just and moral.

Hazel the Saint Bernese dog celebrating Pride Month, Paws For Reaction blog

Hey Ottawa! Hazel wishes you a Happy Capital Pride, despite the controversy!

As a result of the Capital Pride pro-Palestinian statement, numerous local institutions announced their decision to withdraw from participating in the Ottawa Capital Pride Parade, which took place on Sunday, August 25. This included hospitals, banks, universities and school boards. Many expressed concerns about safety at the event. The reaction to the statement has created a lot of unnecessary controversy around the event and Capital Pride.

Now Capital Pride is at risk of losing funding and support. Please sign this petition to support their statement of solidarity with Palestine. Hazel and I are proud of the folks at Capital Pride for advocating for the people in Palestine. We stand in solidarity with Capital Pride and with the people in Palestine. Sadly, our government does not appear to feel the same way that we do.

Capital Pride Ottawa pro-Palestinian statement

CLICK HERE to read the full statement

According to an Ottawa Citizen news report, "This year’s parade route was abruptly cut in half last week after the Ottawa Police Service reduced the number of available officers. Capital Pride organizers said police and the City of Ottawa informed them of the reduction in staff resources on Tuesday, just five days before the event." Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also announced he would not participate in this year’s parade.

The City of Ottawa pulled out of the parade and the Liberal Party was noticeably missing, as most political parties have representation at the festivities and officials in attendance. Our government and institutions should be ashamed of their disgusting lack of empathy for the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and their prioritization of political gain over the human lives being lost in a genocide that our country is funding.

Hazel the Saint Bernese dog standing on a Pride street crossing, Paws For Reaction blog

Despite all this, thousands of people went downtown to celebrate their pride and liberation on the streets of Ottawa. It is a reminder that communities do the work to make positive change, while the government abandons the people and the cause.

Hazel and I could not attend the parade this year (check out pics from our Capital Pride celebration last year), we were there in spirit, love, and solidarity. I was fortunate to attend the Pride festival in Salem, MA this year Happy Capital Pride! And liberate Palestine, with freedom and reparations!

Woman celebrates Pride Month in Salem, MS

Pride Month 2024 in Salem, MA

I am working with three Palestinian families to fundraise in an attempt to get them out of Gaza safely. Please consider donating to their GoFundMe fundraisers or sharing their stories to raise awareness. CLICK HERE to see the fundraisers in my linktree.

Check out Hazel and I celebrating Capital Pride last year on TikTok! You can follow Capital Pride on Instagram and Facebook, and check out their website CapitalPride.ca for upcoming events.