'Real' Pride march celebrates grassroots-style without corporate sponsorship

The Treaty 6 Real Pride March on Sunday attracted people who wanted to celebrate the LGBT community without the presence of politicians and commercial hoopla.

The "real" Pride march, which was also being called the Global Pride March, was part of the Saskatoon Pride Festival program but separate from the main parade later this month.

Organizers of the "real" Pride march opposed the selection of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark as the grand marshal of the main festival parade, as well as its corporate sponsorship.

• Saskatoon mayor to serve as grand marshal of city's 2017 Pride parade

A spokesperson for the Saskatoon Pride Festival said the festival supported the separate march so those people who oppose corporate and political involvement in the parade could still march and feel proud.

Laura Civica, who was marching on Sunday said she liked the "anti-capitalist aspect" of the parade. 

"I'm not a big fan of pink-washing. I think especially with corporations that work to marginalize others, I think it's not OK to have Pride's name on that."

Davis Baker said he liked the grassroots aspect of Sunday's parade and that it was a Pride celebration that was less drinking-oriented.

"I've worked Pride at a bar and I've seen what it's like. Granted, everybody's there to have a good time, but I feel like there needs to be more focus on the other stuff. Have a good time but understand why you're having a good time."

The main Pride Festival parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 24.