By Will Yannacoulias
Saturday June 3rd Prince Albert Pride is hosting a their annual parade at 11 AM, then kicking off the Pride in the Park festivities at Kinsman Park at noon. Pride in the Park is always fun and well attended, with live music, interactive art, and a young, diverse crowd. Returning from last year's music lineup is local hip hop artist Jonathan Karabekian and LoFi producer Patrick Moon Bird, being joined by LJ Tyson and the groovy jangle of his band The Locals. Tyson has been an advocate for LGBQT inclusion in the Saskatchewan music community, speaking out about his experience as a queer Indigenous artist and releasing the single "Home On The Rainbow" last year. At a time when populist right wing groups have been turning anti queer hate speech into political talking points, Pride movements are as important as ever and Tyson is thankful for the opportunity to be included.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and heard" Tyson told NSMZ, when asked about the importance of positive public events such as Pride in the Park. "Anti queer sentiment has been around since colonization. The encouraging thing is, a lot more people are opening their eyes to the experiences of queer people, but we have a long way to go."
For specifics on the events planned for the Pride Parade and the Pride in the Park celebrations, visit Prince Albert Pride on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrinceAlbertPride?mibextid=LQQJ4d