SASKATOON DIVERSITY NETWORK INC. (SASKATOON PRIDE) has a blind review process for all organizations such as corporations, large businesses, unions and political parties’ entry into the Saskatoon Pride Festival’s major activities including the Pride Parade and Pride Market and Community Services Village. So far this season there have been no rejections, but more than one clarification has been sought. We have confidence in our process which includes our board reserving the right to determine whether applicants’ actions and their policies align with our vision.

Saskatoon Pride has already condemned the recent actions of the Sask Party government and the harm that they have caused to trans and other queer youth and their families through their misguided legislation and policies which frame 2SLGBTQIA+ rights as easily dismissable by the brutal use of the notwithstanding clause. Their actions have caused or at the very least mimicked the rise of hateful rhetoric and aggression, including microagressions to all members of our community which are happening in Saskatchewan and Alberta and, sadly, are championed by governments and leaders of political parties that should be counted on for protection rather than assault.

One of the positive actions Saskatoon Pride has taken to address the current existential threat to our existence is our inaugural full-day human rights forum called Hope & Health: Tools for Reclaiming Your Human Rights, featuring national advocates in two spirit and queer rights. The forum will examine extreme right wing rhetoric and disinformation, the use of the most vulnerable members of our community as political pawns, and the tools that our community and allies can use to survive and thrive in the difficult and often dark times we are in.. The forum takes place Friday, June 14 at Remai Modern. Information and registration is here: Human Rights Forum Brochure and Registration.

Using vulnerable youth and their families as a distraction from the important issues of support for education, healthcare, an affordability crisis and climate change is despicable at the very least and Saskatoon Pride will call it as such and act accordingly. Our process differs from that of Queen City Pride but we congratulate them on their position.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
SASKATOON DIVERSITY NETWORK INC. (SASKATOON PRIDE)

Media enquiries:
Statement and review process: Blake Tait (he/him) blake@saskatoonpride.ca
Human Rights Forum: Fran Forsberg (she/her) fran@saskatoonpride.ca or Mike McCoy (he/they) mike@saskatoonpride.ca