Vancouver Dyke March takes over the city ahead of Pride Parade

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Today is about the roots of the Pride movement as the Vancouver Dyke March starts at 11:00 am at McSpadden Park in East Van.

The Grand Marshals for the Dyke March are members of a group called Sex Workers United Against Violence.

Board director for the march, Kaschelle Thiessen, explains some of the reasoning for the choice.

“When we talk about women’s rights, lesbian rights, and queer women’s rights, we need to mean all women. This means justice for all women, not just white women, not just lesbians, all women. This means women of colour, indigenous women, trans women and non-binary folks.”

She says it’s important to stand up every year and acknowledge the struggles of the past.

“We have a very rich history with this march and it’s important for us to carry on this tradition and honour the activists and elders that came before us.”

Thiessen believes we need to acknowledge there are still problems today.

“I think it’s also important to continue to create spaces for people who maybe don’t identify with the wider Pride movement. To have a space where they can be themselves and be celebrated.”

She has some advice for anyone who wants to join in.

“It’s going to be a very hot weekend, make sure you’re wearing your sunscreen, have your hat, drink a lot of water. Have a wonderful time. Come prepared to march and to sing.”

The event runs until 5:00 pm.

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