Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance (Documentary) (Canada)

“Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance” is a documentary that brings to the forefront the incredible, often painful history of the queer movement in Canada. It isn’t just a story of marches and protests, but a tapestry woven from personal experiences, archival footage, and profound moments that define a country’s evolution in its acceptance and recognition of 2SLGBTQ+ rights. This is a story of resilience, love, and unwavering resistance.

The film kicks off with the landmark statement by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who boldly declared that the government has no business in the “bedrooms of the nation.” That was in 1969, before homosexuality was decriminalized in Canada. From that moment, the documentary takes us on a historical journey through pivotal events like the Gay Liberation Movement and the We Demand Rally in Ottawa in 1971. The movement gained momentum in the face of numerous challenges, including the notorious Toronto bathhouse raids and the cruel indifference with which the government responded to the AIDS crisis. We see how these moments shaped a growing and evolving sense of activism in the queer community.

But the documentary doesn’t just present facts; it puts faces to the movement. The voices of older activists, those who lived through the criminalization of homosexuality, add depth and poignancy to the narrative. Their stories are heartbreaking and enlightening, revealing the brutality they faced just for being themselves. Take, for example, Svend Robinson, Canada’s first openly gay Member of Parliament. His story is a testament to the bravery required to step out of the shadows at a time when being openly gay was an act of defiance. Robinson talks about the vandalism of his office after coming out in 1988, a stark reminder of the backlash that even public figures had to endure.

What makes “Parade” so compelling is how it balances the heavy, emotional moments with moments of warmth, community, and love. It isn’t just a story about the struggles—though they’re vital and must never be forgotten—but also about the joy and unity found in the fight for equality. The documentary is heartfelt, showing how the queer movement was never solely about fighting; it was about building spaces of love, healing, and acceptance. The film dives into the complexities of how different queer communities faced their struggles—gay men, lesbians, trans individuals, and other marginalized groups, including Indigenous people, Black Canadians, and the Latinx and Asian communities. Each of these groups had unique challenges, yet they all found strength in solidarity, carving out their own spaces within the broader movement.

For me, one of the most powerful parts of the documentary is its section on HIV/AIDS. The devastation caused by the epidemic was a blow that reverberated through every community, but it also ignited fierce activism. The survivors and the trailblazers who fought to raise awareness and demand action are remembered with the reverence they deserve. It’s a stark reminder of how far we’ve come, but also a call to continue fighting for those still left behind.

One of the film’s strengths is how it draws connections between the past and the present. The struggles of the 1960s and ’70s may seem distant, but in reality, some of the same arguments, fears, and prejudices are still being recycled today. It’s disheartening to see how easily history repeats itself, but the film underscores how vital it is to honor the resilience of those who paved the way and to keep pushing forward.

Watching “Parade” isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a wake-up call. It reminds us that the fight for equality, while it has come so far, is far from over. The echoes of the past reverberate in today’s battles for queer rights, and those voices that once had to fight for a seat at the table are still speaking, reminding us that the fight continues.