Pride Vancouver 2022 - Local 247

Vancouver Pride Society, 2SLGBTQAI+ communities, queer serving organizations, and allies marched for the first in-person Vancouver Pride Parade in two years.

This year, the BC Federation of Labour organized a Mult-Union Pride Delegation to represent Labour at the Vancouver Pride Parade.  20 Affiliates signed up to march and each affiliate were given 5 marchers total to represent each Union, as this event was scaled down to 50% capacity for Covid Safety.

Safeway members Alicia Whitehead and Fen Williams, Superstore member Dawn Stevenson and Union Reps Steve McAusland and Eric Seto participated in this year’s Pride.  “As spaces were severely limited, it was an honour to be given the opportunity to volunteer and attend this years Pride Parade” said Eric Seto, “and I am extremely proud of the work and effort Alicia and Fen put into hand making pronoun pins”

Union Representative Steve McAusland has a lot of experience volunteering in the community and participating in local community and labour events in his hometown of Victoria.  This was Steve’s first Vancouver Pride Parade, and he was amazed by the level of energy displayed by the parade walkers and the crowd.

“This years Pride Parade was an amazing opportunity to participate and learn from our members and I look forward to bringing this amazing experience to as many of our members as possible in the coming years”, said Steve McAusland.  “I want to give a shoutout to Fen and Alicia for their amazing contribution and a special thanks to Eric for getting us the Rainbow Umbrellas!” added Steve.

For members Alicia, Fen and Dawn they have in the past participated and supported local 2SLGBTQAI+ events, most recently, Surrey Pride.  The energy and positivity that always flows during Pride events, was a completely different experience walking in the Parade itself.

“It was amazing to be on the other side of Pride, walking and being able to see the amazing energy and community that came out to support. We were able to hand out handmade pronoun pins (by Fen and Alicia), frisbees, safety whistles, beads and lots of super fun goodies. So proud to be a part of Local 247, and see the staff and members support my fellow LGBTQ2+ community with such love and open acceptance. I’m looking forward to next year and making it bigger and more GAY!”
                                                                                                                                            -Alicia Whitehead and Fen Williams

As Canada's most progressive union, UFCW Canada plays a leading role in advocating for full equality and opportunity for the LGBTQI2S community. To learn more about UFCW’s LGBTQI2S initiatives, visit www.ufcw.ca/pride.

If you are interested in attending a future Pride event, or would like to find out how you can provide support as an ally, please email is at info@ufcw247.com.

#PRIDE