LGBTQ2S+ community, allies call for more support to address hate as Calgary Pride Parade returns to downtown core

Downtown Calgary was taken over by rainbow-coloured flags on Sunday as the Calgary Pride Parade rolled through.

Downtown Calgary was taken over by rainbow-coloured flags on Sunday as the Calgary Pride Parade rolled through.

The event has special meaning to Eren Schroeder, who identifies as trans.

“It’s been a really hard journey, but I’ve been pushing through and enjoying and being authentic to who I am, and I’ve found some of my people so far,” they said.

Schroeder’s mom, Tamara, was by their side, giving out free hugs to anyone who wanted one.

She says her goal is to make her child and others in the community feel loved and supported.

“The world is so often cruel towards trans folks especially and queer people, that creating a safe home is I think the best thing a parent can do for their child,” Tamara said.

According to Statistics Canada, police-reported hate crimes against the LGBTQ2S+ community rose by 64 per cent from 2020 to 2021.