York Pride parade brings thousands out to Main Street Newmarket

Yorkregion.com
June 19, 2023

Thousands came out to downtown Newmarket to take part in the York Pride parade Jun. 17. Main Street was rainbow clad, full of dancing, cheering and bubbles. Premier Doug Ford even made an appearance along with politicians from every level of government.

But few got a bigger reaction than Woody Brown and Josiah Jarvenpaa. They were standing together in suits on bench in the crowd holding a sign that said, ‘Just gay married an hour ago.’

“We just got married at the Newmarket Superior Court of Justice an hour ago,” Brown said. The first stop after taking their vows was Main Street for the Pride parade.

“We didn’t always have the opportunity to do this years back,” Jarvenpaa said.

“It’s important to celebrate gay love,” added Brown.

People kept approaching Brown and Jarvenpaa to celebrate their nuptials. “Thank you for (giving) people like me a safe space at the parade,” one passerby told them.  

Pride is not without controversy. It was only three weeks ago that the York Catholic District School Board voted against flying the Pride flag during the month of June. But York Catholic teachers and students were out in full force in Newmarket with the largest number of participants waving dozens of pride flags proudly. They also seemingly received the loudest cheers from the crowd.

There were a group of moms giving out free hugs to anyone who wanted one. First responders from the region were out in full force as well as several social support organizations.  

Not everyone was happy with the appearance of Premier Ford at the Parade. Tristan Coolman, president of Pflag York Region, said the the Ford government’s record in supporting queer-affirming policies and programs has not met the needs of the community. “The last five years of their inaction speak volumes, louder than their 30 minutes of marching in our parade,” he said. “We question whether this government is deserving of occupying space in our parade. It is our opinion they haven’t earned the honour.”

Coolman pointed towards the lack of structure supporting gender affirming care, the lack of action with the York Catholic board and the under-funding of gender affirming care as some areas where the government has fallen short.

York Pride is one of the biggest regional prides in Ontario.