It has been 50 years since the first march that would become Pride. That march was a protest against the police brutality, prejudice and oppression that sparked the Stonewall Riots. It is important to recognize that the riot and activism that followed was led by trans* and queer women of colour and it is they that sacrificed the most for our movement.

While we have enjoyed significant strides in the fight for equality in the decades since Stonewall, the progress has not been universal and there is still much work to do.

As we start Victoria Pride Week 2020, we call on everyone to reflect on the role that racism continues to play in our communities and the impacts that it has.

Earlier this month, we joined Pride societies from across BC to call on communities, businesses and non-profits to ensure they have active and comprehensive plans to dismantle racism in their organizations.

In the coming months, VPS will be looking at what organizational changes we can make to be more responsive and accountable to underheard communities.