Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in celebration of Vancouver Pride:

“Pride is a celebration — and a protest. For 40 years, queer and trans communities have rallied together with allies and marched through the streets of Vancouver to advocate for the rights of LGBTQAI2S+ people.

“During Pride, we celebrate the important gains queer and trans communities have made over the last decade — equal marriage, access to adoption and legal protections against discrimination. And we celebrate the strength, resilience and activism of LGBTQAI2S+ communities in B.C. and beyond our borders.

“We also recognize we have more work to do to make our communities and province better for queer and trans people.  

“We must recommit to making our province a place where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities can live without fear, violence or discrimination.

“Let’s march together to show that love is love, and hate has no place in our society. Let’s march to make it clear that everyone deserves safety, respect and dignity.

“Together, let’s build a better British Columbia that welcomes everyone, regardless of who they love or how they express themselves.

“To all those taking part in Sunday’s parade and celebrations: Happy Pride!”