‘Rainbows everywhere’ but it’s still Alberta: What Banff Pride means in the conservative province

"Despite us having a very vibrant community here in Banff, we're still in Alberta and still fighting to have our voices heard."

No matter who you are or who you love, you’re welcome in Banff.

It’s the resounding message of Pride, which kicked off Sunday.

“Banff is still a small town, and the whole community really shows up. It was really heartwarming Sunday with our flag raising and Rainbow Walk,” organizer Jeffrey Carpenter said Tuesday.

“You see your next-door neighbours, and you see the people that you run into at the grocery store come out and show their Pride as well. You get that really kind of authentic community spirit.

“We had an open mic night, and we had a range of people that were just speaking to performers, and it was just so nice to have this safe, welcoming venue in our town that we can really just be who we are and be proud to have our voice and share it.”

Window displays are up; businesses are showing their Pride.

“We also have 30 different restaurants participating in Taste the Rainbow where those restaurants either have a cocktail or a dessert that is Pride-themed, and then portions of those sales go to local LGBTQ charities or non-profits.”

However, Pride is more than magnificent drag queens dancing in the Rockies.