The Halifax Pride Parade on Saturday was led by ambassador 2025 Pride Ambassador Reign Dorfschmidt. Photo by George MyrerArticle content‘You Belong Here’, ‘Pride is Powerful’, ‘Protect Trans Kids’ and ‘Community Saves Lives’ were among the many signs displayed at Halifax’s Pride Parade on Saturday, with the overarching message being one of love.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentSeveral thousand people, greeted by a beautiful sunny day, lined the parade route, which wound its way down Cogswell St., onto Barrington St., up Spring Garden Rd. and ended at the Garrison Grounds.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe parade was led by 2025 Pride Ambassador Reign Dorfschmidt. Reign, a proud Queer, Trans, African Nova Scotian, is a dedicated community advocate, artist, and performer who has been a visible and impactful presence in the Halifax queer arts scene for nearly a decade.Article contentThe honorary ambassador was Krista Snow, a former Halifax councillor and past Chairperson of Halifax Pride. Snow, who passed away in January, was recognized for her tireless efforts in advocating for inclusivity within the community.Article contentArticle content Pers, a Halifax man, displays his sign at the Pride Parade on Saturday. Photo by George MyrerArticle contentPers, a Halifax man, who walked the parade route with a sign saying ‘Community Saves Lives,’ said it was important to get out and be seen and also to see everybody else in the community. “I think for a lot of people, the fact that they have a community and they have friends who are also part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is important. For them, the connections of community do save their lives. There is a very high incidence of queer people having high suicide rates, and what often saves people is the connections people make with other queer people.”Article contentArticle contentArticle content A Dartmouth family brought the love to the Pride Parade. Photo by George MyrerArticle contentArticle contentAmong the thousands of revellers was a Dartmouth family, who were there to share the love, as their “mumhugs” and “dadhugs” signs suggested.Article content“I have my momhugs sign, I’m here to support the community that I’m a part of, my kids are a part and just make sure everyone feels the love,” said Cynda, the family’s mother.Article contentHer husband, Thom, said he loves coming out to the Pride parade each. “Every year, this gets bigger and more open. More people feel accepted and for those who don’t, I did bring my dadhugs sign just to spread my love.”Article contentTheir 14-year-old son Ben shared in the family message of love. “I am here to spread the pride to make sure everyone feels safe and happy. I believe people should feel safe to come out. Everyone deserves to feel accepted and loved.”Article contentArticle content Paige Barkhouse of Halifax was hit with the younger parade celebrants in her Princess Peach costume. Photo by George MyrerArticle contentPaige Barkhouse, a Cosplayer from Halifax, was a huge hit among the younger Pride celebrants. The 22-year-old stood out on Spring Garden Rd. in her very vibrant Princess Peach costume.
Halifax Pride Parade brings powerful message of love
