Can We Be Proud Of Pride? A Discussion on Intersectionality in Current Canadian Pride Events

Authors

  • Grace Berit Marshall Vancouver Island University

Keywords:

Pride, Intersectionality, LGBT Rights, Feminism

Abstract

This essay explores the relationship between intersectionality and Pride, by critiquing and offering solutions for some of Pride's failings.A brief history of the gay civil rights movement helps to situate current Pride events, with a focus on the Nanaimo 2016 Pride parade as a site to explore the concept of intersectionality. Themes of racism, ableism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, as well as homonormativity—internal and external to the LGBT community—are discussed. Upon examination, a series of possible solutions to these trappings are offered, most prominently being an opening of dialogue within the LGBT community. This essay argues that, while Pride is a necessary source of LGBT representation, it often fails to observe the intersectionality within its community, resulting in racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, classism, and homonormativity. The ways in which Pride can harbour and nurture toxic mindsets of discrimination is a focal point in this essay,

Author Biography

Grace Berit Marshall, Vancouver Island University

Grace Marshall recently completed her first year at Vancouver Island University, where she is an undergraduate student in the Arts and Humanities program, Women Studies major. She grew up in the Nanaimo area, and currently commutes to school there from the nearby community of Nanoose Bay.

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Published

2017-10-13

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Articles

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