Toronto mayor a no-show among Pride revellers

An estimated one million people celebrated downtown Toronto for Canada's largest pride parade on Sunday, and many voiced their outrage over Rob Ford's absence.

CTV Toronto: Pride Parade takes over Toronto streets

The Pride Parade took over the streets in Toronto's Church and Wellesley neighbourhood on Sunday. Colin D'Mello reports from the scene.

CTV Toronto: Pride Parade crowd shares stories

Some of the one million people who attended Toronto's Pride Parade on Sunday share the reasons they wanted to attend. Scott Lightfoot reports.

CTV Toronto: Busy weekend for Toronto Pride

Carol Charles reports as Toronto gears up for a massive street party to mark the final days of Toronto Pride Week.

CTV Toronto: What Pride Week means for T.O.

Colin D'Mello reports on the effect Pride Week has had on downtown Toronto as a tourism draw.

A A | Print |

| Comments (61)

A Pride reveller is seen wearing a Rob Ford mask while dancing in the parade, Sunday, July 3, 2011.

View Larger Image

ctvtoronto.ca

Date: Sunday Jul. 3, 2011 9:51 PM ET

While Toronto's 31st annual Pride Parade went off without a hitch in front of an endless wave of visitors on Sunday, the focus of Canada's largest gay rights event was the absence of one man: Mayor Rob Ford.

Ford stirred controversy in June, when he announced he would skip the parade and instead spend time at his family cottage, following a 30-year Canada Day tradition.

Ford was the first mayor to miss the parade in 16 years, with Barbara Hall, Mel Lastman and David Miller all attending the event. The last mayor to miss the event was June Rowlands in 1994.

Officials from Pride Toronto, Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke and city councillors including Kristyn Wong-Tam all asked Ford to reconsider earlier in the week, but said they did not hear back.

Francisco Alvarez, the co-chair of the event, said he was disappointed by Ford's choice. He said it was Ford's chance to send the city's gay and lesbian community a clear message of support.

Even attendees amid the partying crowd managed to turn their attention away from the colourful parade's hundreds of beads, glittery balloons and rainbow flags to voice their opinion.

Esther Freeman, 21, told The Canadian Press that it's the mayor's responsibility to attend all major events in the city.

"I think it's stupid for him not to be here. He's supposed to represent who Toronto is and Toronto is everybody," she said.

Others chose to keep cheering on the parade's colourful floats and dance to blaring music as various LBGTQ groups marched down Yonge Street under Sunday's blazing sun.

One such reveler was former Toronto mayor David Miller.

"I'll leave the comments about (Ford) up to others. I just love being here, look at all the people, aren't they fantastic?" he asked before yelling, "Happy Pride Toronto" to a screaming crowd.

Andres Fagundez, who came from New York to watch the parade, said Canadians knew how to party.

"This kind of crowd, this kind of people celebrating, this is something you don't see in many other places," he said.

Sunday's parade marked the culmination of the city's annual Pride Week and began shortly after 2 p.m. EST in Toronto's downtown Church-Wellesley neighbourhood, with the majority of the parade marching down Yonge Street.

Leading up to the parade

Earlier in the week, Toronto celebrated Pride Week with a multitude of colourful activities celebrating the city's lesbian, gay, transgender and queer communities.

On Saturday morning, a 5-kilometre Pride and Remembrance run was held in support of the Casey House and Black CAP, two outreach programs which aim to reduce HIV/AIDS in Toronto's LGBTQ and African communities.

Pride Toronto also held the annual Dyke March on Saturday afternoon, highlighting the strength of women and transgender people in the community.

Family friendly activities were also part of the celebration, including the weekend Family Pride event featuring children's entertainers, arts and crafts and inflatable bouncy castles on the grounds of a junior high school.

With files from The Canadian Press.

Comments are now closed for this story

Greg in cambridge
said

...and he shouldn't have to do anything like that if he doesn't want to. Where's it written that he has to go to this "event"?
The Media is causing all this fuss and making him look like a Hero to all who don't like this lifestyle.
I bet you won't print this.

Glenn C
said

I'm with you Greg, There is nothing written that says that the Mayor has to be there. While these (people) have rights, Hello, they don't have any more than anyone else!

Westerner
said

Sorry Greg! You lose the bet!! As long as they stay out of your kitchen, who are we to deny them a bit of harmless fun. Better than the rioters of Vancouver or the spoiled francos of Quebec doing their protesting! They have to remember who lost the war but are still being treated as Royally as the Royals!

caper0115
said

As the representative or leader of Toronto I believe it to be imperative that he support all races, creed, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences that the city of Toronto represents. To do any less is not being a leader but a follower and shows his true beliefs. That's just my opinion.

James B
said

I would agree that Mr. Ford does not have to attend the PRIDE parade.

I do think it is a great festival and brings a lot of revenue into the city. It brings people from all over to celebrate. I think it is wondeerful that Toronto is an open-minded city and progressive with people from all walks of life. If I were in Toronto, I would attend!

NBGuy
said

Greg, are you not okay with these (as you call it: "people")... I'm gay - is there a problem with that?

John from B.C.
said

Good for mayor Ford. We live in Canada, and have yet a right. I would hope to disks approve of certain life styles. Let alone show support if one does not agree to it.

Anthony
said

Nice to see a politician with guts, one who does not subscribe to political correctness and pressure.
I for one have no desire to see this masquerade either !

Chris
said

If the mayor doesn't feel like going and would rather spend the time with his family, then that is great. Family is more important. People need to chill a bit.

john robinson
said

WOW is the word. The left is hijacking this country lock stock and barrel. Never mind that the parade is a pornfest. To top it off its promoted as a family friendly event. yea bring one bring all to watch simulated sodomy sex acts, nudity and general debauchery. Get yur cotton candy and ice cream cones here. The left preaches about choice, tolerance etc. All lip service, as if you do not agree or particiape you are a homophobe. There soon will be a backlash against the homosexual community if they push there adjenda further. Its one thing to ask for equal rights but another when they want to force there beliefs and lifestyle to the canadian people. The tipping point is near!!!

Randy
said

Way to go Rob. I support your decision not to attend. Not attending the parade took much courage...I admire that as I admire your reluctance to bend to "political correctness" as most other politicians would have done. You your own man, with your own morals and values. Nice to see in a politician. Good job.

Mike in ON
said

For those who are ragging on the Mayor for not participating in this 'parade,' please realize that this is NOT just another event. This is one that has rose to infamy for pushing the boundaries of decency far beyond what should be acceptable to the general public. Sorry, but this is NOT a 'family friendly' parade. For the participants to be dressed (or rather, undressed) the way that they are, on any other day, would have them arrested for indecent exposure. I'd really love to hear an explanation as to why that state of dress is considered either appropriate, necessary, or even acceptable for a public event. I think it's far more reasonable to expect THAT explanation, than to want one from the Mayor explaining his absence. I wouldn't want to attend, either.

Pindy
said

I heard that he tried to attend but got lost...couldn't find the parade as his moral compass wouldn't point in that direction...and hey...there is nothing wrong with that. Way to go Rob.

Serge
said

I'm with you, Rob. Your family is much more important than this "event".

And let's arrange next year Parade of people with normal sexual orientation. We also have rights to love, have kids, parents and etc.

dee
said

No He doesn't need to attend but his excuse "spending time with family" is lame. That's ussually what politicians say when they don't want to attend an event. obviously he doesn't which says a lot. Actions speak louder than words

Old Ted
said

The nerve of people, to EXPECT people to be at their event. Get used to it folks, you AREN'T that important and the Mayor just might have a life of his own that matters more.

Ben, Edmonton
said

The guy wanted to continue a 30-year family tradition. Just because he's a public servant doesn't mean he is obligated to sacrifice for his family at every turn.

None of this makes him a bad person. There are still white-bread crackpots out there who think that homosexuality is wrong or disgusting; that view is completely unacceptable and those people are hateful bigots who deserve a bamboo stick upside the head. But this guy just wants to spend time with his family, leave him alone.

Bergan L
said

George Smitherman brought his family to Pride Toronto today. The Armed Forces and the Toronto Police Services marched. It's a huge Toronto event. It's a part of the Mayor's job to attend events; it's a missed opportunity for Ford.

SPB in Sask
said

Why is taxpayers' money being used to fund rubbish like this? I don't care what consenting adults do, I do care about who's paying for it...

ExPat
said

There is absolutely no obligation whatsoever for Mr. Ford to attend this event. We get it: the gay community has rights. Let's move on and be tolerant. However, it certainly doesn't mean the rest of society has to subscribe to or embrace their beliefs. Quite frankly, the moral and sexual depravity put on public display by some of the attendees is just plain sick - and regardless of whether one is "gay" or "straight" this type of behaviour should be kept private, between consenting adults. I, for one, do not condone it nor accept it as "normal." I don't blame Mr. Ford one iota. Good on ya, Mr. Ford - take a stand!

chel in the Peg
said

I think the Pride parades are great. Admittedly, the optics would better if he attends, but I don't think he should be slammed for not going. If he wants to spend the long weekend with family then respect his choice - isn't that what Pride is all about?

go Ford
said

The problem is not gays. The problem is with those few that push those disgusting images in our face. It is an insult to families especially families with children. Why are pride activities scheduled on Canada Day week end any way? This is wrong, wrong, wrong!Ford knows this and will win the majority of the people over on this one. This is just a small interest group pushing for more and more and in doing so they will get more resistance from the majority of the people.My advice is be very happy with what you have achieved or risk losing it altogether buy upsetting a great majority.

URU
said

WHO CARES! I'm gay and I hate the parade. My partner and I and most of my friends are always trying to avoid this event. Its not because of shame its because the parade itself is a SHAME. I personally don't want to seeing naked old or younge men in a public parade or men dressed as woman - you're a MAN at least try to look like one not like a freak. Proud to be gay, hate the parade.

CB in BC
said

...and what, the man can't have a traditional family weekend without it becoming a political or discrimotary statement, give me a break. Being elected mayor does not mean the people in Toronto own all of his time, holiday weekends included, there are parades, fund raisers etc etc endless..and "I do" support Gay Rights, but even political figures have a family and a life. Go away media...we're getting tired of you stirring things up.

"Pride" in being straight
said

I find it offensive that Toronto gays would try and make an issue out of this. The majority of people do not agree with their lifestyle nor find these public demonstrations of gays edifying in any way including some gays themselves. It's perfectly normal not to be homosexual. I applaud the Mayor for doing his own thing at the family cottage. He deserves his rest and doesn't have to hang out nor be intimidated into siding with the gay agenda by flaunting their lifestyle in public.

William
said

I don't think homosexuality is right for many reasons including reasons of faith and spirituality. I have no issue with homosexuals having rights as anyone else does but I take offense in the agenda they keep forcing onto society by trying to paint a cloak of respectability over their lifestyle which most would not condone for their own children or family members.

Mamkl
said

I'm proud of YOU, Mayor Ford!!!

SAM
said

I'm a little outraged at the coverage this is getting. Not EVERYONE feels that homosexuality and the like is an acceptable way to live. That's the way it is. The Mayor is completely within his right to not attend. Our society is starting to demonize those who don't accept this lifestyle. I can see where this is going. Next it will be a "hate crime" for the Mayor not to attend.

ROC
said

Ford has just increased his approval rating.

steve
said

The Mayor of toronto wants to do what he and his family have done for years!Dont deny him of that.Lets try to keep the family unit together, whatever that consists of.

Annie
said

I don't think it can be considered a "no-show" when Mayor Ford publicly stated that he was not attending as this was an annual family weekend at their cottage. A "no-show" would indicate an intent of attending.

David
said

Not everyone agrees with this "type of behaviour", nor is it illegal, or wrong not to agree with, or participate with these people. Majority of Canadians don't agree with this "fly in your face" rude behaviour. Just because a Liberal government, and Liberal judges, changed the law from illegal to warranted behaviour, does not change whether it is wrong or not.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

I wish we had politicians in BC with the cajones to do the same thing.Out here,they sell out their beliefs for every single special interest group that can deliver a vote.
First of all,it is a holiday, and he has a family.His family is his first obligation,as it should be for all of us.
Secondly,not being at this event in no way makes him a homophobic,or someone willing to deny anyone their rights.Not being a bif supporter of any group is NOT the ame as being an enemy of that group.
We have the same parade in Vancouver too,and it's nothing more than a cicus.Half the people aren't there to support the gay community.They're there laughing at how ridiculous the parade participants look.
And finally,when did it become against the law to ignore some thing,or someone,who does not reflect your values or beliefs? I think the law says no one can discriminate against special interest groups.But so far,I see no law that forces anyone to actively support them.
Kudos to Mayor Ford for being with his family,and not bowing to political correctness or prostituting his values for the sake of a few more votes.

Cathy O'Connor
said

Mr. Ford, your absence is duly noted. Remember it the next time you run for election. There are a lot of voting gays in Toronto. Also remember that at the Pride parade today in Toronto there were 1.3 million people in attendance. That's a lot of tourist dollars. If you think you're above the political clout of the voting gay community, and above the financial clout of all those tourist dollars, then carry on being the small-minded red neck that you are.

Dorothy and Mr. Bill
said

Thanks Mayor Ford for respectfully sticking to your your beliefs and moral standards. You wrote an eloquent letter welcoming the Pride community to Toronto which is all you needed to do. You deserve this long weekend to yourself and your family. Those that are bashing you were the same that would bash you no matter what. Kudos to you for recognizing it.

Brian from Nakina
said

Anyone willing to lay odds that the mayor will attend in 2014 (an election year) When the chips are down and he needs votes he will just be a typical politician.

Colin in Ottawa
said

Who cares? He doesn't have to be there. He's allowed to spend some time at the family cottage instead of attending a Pride parade. It says nowhere in the job description he has to attend these things. I think those who are saying that him not attending emboldens homophobics are ridiculous. The attitude of the gay community in Toronto being so offended that he might want to spend a weekend with his family instead of watching the parade is appalling. Alvarez, the co-chair, needs to look at this less as an affront to the gay community, and more a personal decision by a human being to spend time with his family.

rick
said

It is refreshing to see a politician stand up and be countered and as so many others have stated not be pushed by the left wind group who if one follows their actions are generally the most one sided in everything they do and believe in.
I applaud him.

Dear Mike in ON
said

Why do we need to do what is done for Pride Parades? Well simply put, because it is the one day of the year we do kiss in public, walk down the streets hand in hand and express our feelings to the person we love in public without fear of being beat up or harrased by narrow minded people such as your self. If and when we can have all the rights and freedoms you take for granted..the day we can can walk down the street without getting looks when we hug or kiss our partners.husbands, wives. The day we can go into work and talk freely at the water cooler about our weekend or the new person in our lives...the day the media does not make headlines out of our relationships, THAT is the day we will not need a Pride Parade....until that day, until the day you and your kind accept us for who we are, a Parade is required. I could not give a crap if a homophobic mayor shows up or not and am actually happy he didn;t show his ugly face...stay with your family and enjoy the time...hopefully his children will be gay and he will have to eat crow...so hopefully this answers your question as to why we need days like today...it is becuase of narrow minded people such as yourself..look in the mirror sir!

Dear Serge
said

You want a parade for those with what you call "Normal sexual orientation?" You've got it..how about 365 days of the year....If I see you and your wife/girlfriend kissing in the streets, holding hands in a restaurant or walking down the street, i don't go over to you and beat you up...I don't yell across the street and call you names...I don't harass your kids in school for having a mom and a dad so there is your friggin parade...every stupid day of the year...Happy?

you have your day everyday without fear and harassment...enjoy

Paul on Manitoulin
said

Hurray For Mayor Ford sticking to his guns. It's nice to see a politician with backbone. I'm tired of the rainbow mafia using their bully pulpit to make everyone tow the line.

camwest
said

Wow so much other stuff going on, the world economy is on the brink of failure, revolutions in the mid east, earthquakes in Japan, and we have to hear about the mayor of TO not going to the Gay Pride. I support gay rights but put things in perspective...

Byron ( Victoria )
said

What About Mayor Ford's Rights To Enjoy His Time Spent With Family And Tradition...Shame On Those Trying To Make Him Change And Conform.

Rachv
said

I don't understand why this has become such a huge issue. People (gay or strait) have become offended that Mayor Ford didn't attend the Pride parade because he made a commitment to continue a 30 year tradition with his family? Yes, mayor Ford represents everyone in the city and he should try to go to as many events as he can but he is human and has family commitments. When there are festivals and parades of all different sorts every weekend where is the time to spend with family? Do you want a mayor who believes that family is of no importance? Family and personal relationships can be continually sacrificed because of other peoples need to be satisfied? Isn't pride about openly and freely being able to love with out judgment? It seems silly that citizens are taking offense because the man is spending time with the people he loves. Doesn't he have that right?

alan
said

There is nothing that says that Ford has to like or attend gay parades. I give him credit for putting his family first, and we need more people with the guts to stick to their own convictions.
It is ridiculoud to see half naked idiot men on parade anyhow. How can they get respect of the rest of society when they flaunt pervision?

Terrz1979
said

Correct, Rob Ford had no obligation to be at the parade today. However, as the mayor of Toronto and a supporting member of the community, could he have not attended another event during the week? That way he could attend his Family event and show support to a large portion of his constituents.

B.J.
said

Way to go Rob, your the man. This is still a free country and he has a right to put family ahead of anything else on a holiday. This parade is anything but family, and its a parade of debauchery. Who needs to see naked people strut their stuff, please keep your exhibitionism indoors. What a sight for sore eyes. This is not a parade about family, so Smitherman attends with his family well he is gay so what. I wish the media would stop going on about it, this is not news worthy.

CMQ
said

Quite frankly, would anyone attend a ralley or parade they did not hold personal interest in? Would an athiest attend a Christian symposium or a pacifist a parade celebrating our soldiers or how about a pro-lifer a freedom of choice gathering? Of course not. We live in a great country of diversity and when we begin to label others as a way to degrade and devalue their beliefs in an attempt to show ours as superior or to force compliance we have begun down the road to loss of tolerance. The mayor never said he had issue with anyone, he just doesn't want to attend. The minute we begin to limit another's freedoms is the minute we begin to limit our own. If gays or whomever want equality then how about allowing people choice to do what they want to do or not do, to attend or not attend, then maybe then we can all get along and find some respect instead of getting into a mud slinging match of names. All the gay community has done with this act has drawn an "us" vs "them" mentality. You say you want to be treated like everyone else, then stop drawing unnecessary attention to yourself in a way that once again singles you out and once again creates a view of being separate than everyone else instead of being seen as included and a part of society in general.

John
said

This isn't news. We've known for some time he wasn't going to attend.

Charlie in NS
said

According to the story, this parade has been ongoing for 31 years. Mayors have apparently been involved for 16 of those 31 years which averages just a bit more participation than 50% of the time. Some tradition. What is the need for the media & special interest groups to make Ford's non-attendance something more than it isn't?

Liz
said

Mayor Ford May be our mayor but he is also a private citizen with the option to pick and choose which functions he attends. I am straight and some years I attend Pride week and other years I don't. It just depends on my priorities at any given time. There are times I attend the Jazz fest and times I don't. Does it make me a Jazz hater a pride hater? I think there are much bigger issues to deal with in the city...I believe the mayor should stick to his guns and everyone who doesn't like it...TOO BAD!

don
said

Ref Mr Bergans comment.The Military may have marched in the parade but they wore their dress uniforms.

Big Joe Mufferaw
said

Good for him. If he is not gay he should not be there. It is a gay pride parade, not a straight pride parade.

marie
said

Still waiting for my straight pride parade...

Erik
said

I agree with EXPAT, You have your rights and equality, now your just annoying and expensive, Go have gay pride out in boonies somewhere not in downtown where people live and have to commute.

The Alberta Advantage
said

Good for Mr. Ford, I applaude him for standing by his beliefs. No one should be forced to support destructive behaviours!

Tom D in Toronto
said

I being a gay man couldnt care less about Rob Ford not attending the parade or being apart of any of the week long festivities that were held. I dont consider him my Mayor and never would.

I also feel that if he does not support this event then he and his government should not be entitled to the millions and millions of dollars it brings into his city. I pray to God that he is not the Mayor of Toronto when we host World Pride in 2014 as his actions this year has shown he does not represent all the people in this city but only a selected few that he feels like.

jf calgary
said

Let me see.........
Mr. Ford would rather spend his Canada Day weekend with his family instead of an endless parade of half naked exhibitionists? - If I lived in Toronto, He'd get my vote.has my vote!

Frank B
said

so,he wants to continue the family tradition? so would he still "continue the family tradition if kate and willie were the prade marshalles?sorry,but when you become a public offical ,you just may have to give up some of those "family traditions".how bout if he was asked to marshall the Grey Cup parade ??sorry the "family tradition"crap from him is an excuse.as i see it he seems like there's a little bit of civic pride missing in the "mayor?

CraigW
said

God forbid that anyone other than a homosexual be allowed to express an opinion or exercise a right.

Common Sense Joe from Barrie
said

Mr. Fords's actions speak louder than any words of tolerance that he didn't speak. It's too bad that He can't be forthright and let his feelings out for all to see. It might have changed many peoples minds before they voted.