A dandelion forcing its way through a crack in the pavement, blossoming against all odds, in a world that desires to crush it down.
To Taylor Sanford, Calgary Pride’s sponsorship and fund development manager, that is the metaphorical vision behind Calgary Pride’s 2025 theme, “Bursting into Bloom.”
A StatsCan report from last year shows that younger 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals have a higher rate of disability compared to non-2SLGBTQIA+ folks in their age range. They also tend to have more severe and co-occurring disabilities.
With this in mind, making the parade and festival accessible is at the forefront for Calgary Pride. Beyond ensuring accommodations for those with physical disabilities, Calgary Pride also considers those with neurodivergence or financial barriers.
“[That’s] part of the reason why the festival itself is always free to attend,” said Sanford.
Accessibility is also among the considerations when applying to the City for permits and arranging for road closures. Event organizers must work with the Parks Department and The City of Calgary events team to ensure safety and security at the events.
There’s also the distinctly un-sexy job of dealing with basics like porta-potties.
The fun comes with arranging for the mainstage performances on the festival grounds, which is organized by a team of volunteers on Calgary Pride’s arts and entertainment committee. In the past, the roster of mainstage performers has featured drag artists from Canada’s Drag Race.
Coming on the heels of the Stampede season, securing the necessary volunteers to keep Pride running smoothly can be a challenge. Volunteer registrations tends to be low during the early planning stages, though according to Sanford, registration this year has been uncharacteristically low.
“We have heard that volunteer recruitment for nonprofits across the board has been harder,” said Sanford. “Folks are burnt out. Folks are nervous to come out to big events.”
Those interested in volunteering should apply at calgarypride.ca/applications-volunteer.
Beyond the challenges of arranging event permits and securing volunteers, at the end of the day, there’s one major factor in making Pride happen: money.
Last June, Toronto Pride faced a $900,000 funding shortfall after major sponsors, including Google, Nissan, Home Depot, and Clorox, withdrew their support for the parade.
“That has been a challenge for us as well,” said Sanford. “This is why it’s really the time for allies and businesses who align themselves with the values of equity, diversity, inclusion [to] come to the fore.”
Despite working with less money, Sanford says Calgary Pride isn’t pulling back on any planned events this year. At least, not now.
“[It] could be more of a challenge going into the future,” they said. “We’re going to be putting out the call to bring in more support, because it’s a trend that we’re seeing.”
Calgary Pride takes place on August 30 and 31 at Prince’s Island Park. The parade marches down 9th Avenue on the 31. For more information, check out calgarypride.ca.
