2022 marks the 44th anniversary of The Vancouver Pride Parade. It also marks the first year that Covenant House Vancouver has participated in the parade.
We believe that participating in the Pride Parade and supporting 2SLGBTQAI+ youth is important because 25% – 40% of homeless youth identify as 2SLGBTQAI+ and family rejection is the most common cause of 2SLGBTQAI+ youth homelessness.
Covenant House Vancouver CEO, Herb Eibensteiner, who walked alongside youth in the parade said, “I’m so happy CHV was able to participate in the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival. It was amazing to be together again and be part of so much positive energy! I hope it will help to reinforce to vulnerable young people and the community that CHV is a safe and inclusive place for 2SLGBTQAI+ people.”
The CHV van was decorated with art that was created by the youth at CHV. The larger artwork came from an art competition, where youth designed posters for the parade. The smaller pieces were created the day before Pride, during an art workshop at CHV.
Former CHV youth as well as youth currently at CHV walked alongside staff, and were greeted with cheers and comments like, “We love you!” and “Thank you for everything that you do!”
Buttons that also contained youth artwork, were handed out to spectators who lined the streets to cheer on parade participants.
CHV also had a booth down at Sunset Beach. Here, Pride attendees could learn more about the work that CHV does, as well as collect more of the very popular buttons. One mother thanked Covenant House for helping her son, when no one else could. It was an amazing day, full of love and smiles.
Enjoy the gallery of photos.
We hope to see you at next year’s Pride Parade!
