Back to Newsroom

Why Pride matters to me

Longtime Megaphone vendor Stephen Scott reflects on the changes the 2SLGBTQI+ community has seen in Vancouver over the years

October 3, 2024

Fighting shame and social stigma, marching together against threats and violence… many countries around the world will be celebrating Pride in June, July and August.

Pride is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the hard work of 2SLGBTQI+ people, learning about queer history and raising awareness of the issues affecting this community.

Pride can mean different things to different people and is celebrated in many ways — from large parades with floats, music and dance, to small gatherings where people just have fun together. The meaning of Pride is unique to each individual, so all forms of celebrations are valid.

For myself, I try to be a part of the annual Pride parade in Vancouver, which has taken place each year in some form since 1978. It has grown bigger every year, and is now the largest parade in Western Canada, and one of the largest in North America. The 2024 Vancouver Pride Parade takes place Sunday, Aug. 4.

Along with jubilation during Pride, there is also a place for some sombre reflection.

I used to go to many gay bars, such as the Royal, the Dufferin, The Odyssey, Denman Station, the Lotus and so many more — but they are all closed now. Since COVID-19 hit, there are fewer places to go.

From 1990 to 2000, there were many places to have fun, dance and meet people. The big establishments that remain, like Celebrities, Junction, PumpJack Pub, Fountainhead and Numbers Cabaret on Davie Street, used to be the real hot spots. I will never forget the most beautiful patio outside The Odyssey on Howe Street. Now there are all new condos instead. 

So many people have moved out of the West End as the rent is too expensive. The cost is at least three times what it was in the 1990s. A lot of people have moved to the suburbs or even out of B.C. 

Also, we often forget that from 1980 to 1990, lots of gay men were dying of HIV/AIDS. After the Winter Olympics in 2010, things got even more expensive. And then the fentanyl crisis hit B.C. in 2016. I urge everyone who uses drugs today to be careful and don’t use alone. Get your drugs tested before using them. It will save your life. 

For me, Pride is reminder of both the hardships the 2SLGBTQI+ community has persevered through, and the happiness it has enjoyed. I am proud of our resilience and certain that we can face whatever comes next together.

I want to wish happy Pride to everyone and don’t forget to come and see me at Davie and Thurlow on Wednesdays and Fridays between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. I’ll be selling Megaphone products and we can chat more about Pride.