The year-round solidarity between members of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign and 2SLGBTIQ+ communities is powerful and particularly joyful during Pride celebrations.
At Toronto Pride in June, Anne Pollard from the Grandmothers of Steel in Hamilton volunteered at the SLF’s Street Fair booth and marched in the parade with our new Grandmothers for Pride banner.
“Many, many parade watchers were visibly touched to see their human rights supported by grandmothers,” shares Anne. “Spectators smiled broadly at us, called out ‘Grandma!’ and reached out their hands for a shake or a light touch. A few actually burst into tears.”
Anne Pollard
Many SLF supporters, Campaign members, and community-led partners are members of 2SLGBTIQ+ communities. Seeing an intergenerational expression of love and inclusion strikes an emotional chord.
“I believe we touched the hearts of young people who miss the support of their own grandparents, and grandparents who appreciate the solidarity from other folks of that generation,” says Anne.
The Quinte Grannies for Africa participated in Stride to Turn the Tide — an annual fundraiser where Campaign members choose to walk, run and take on other fitness challenges to raise money and awareness — and have made it a tradition to march in the Belleville Pride parade. They bring their grandchildren and other family members to join in the fun. They also host a booth to share information about their group and the SLF.
Several passers-by stopped for a chat and to ask questions of these ‘old ladies’ in orange shirts. As well as supporting the Pride event, we were able to explain what we Quinte Grannies do through our support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Louise Coultas
Through collaboration, allyship, persistence and determination, grandmothers are building communities that are safer for future generations. This is hard work, but as Anne captures in her Pride reflection, it can also be joyful work.
I danced my way through Toronto waving, singing, smiling, and calling out ‘Happy Pride!’ to an ecstatic crowd. I'm very proud to be a part of such a fantastic, loving organization.
Anne Pollard
Learn more about the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign and Partners in Pride.
