Calgary Pride 2023 Parade Marshal Photoshoot – Representing Trans Voices
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7th, 2023, Moh’kinsstis (Calgary) – 2023 Calgary Pride Parade Marshals Return to Share Trans Pride & Joy
On November 7th, 2023, Calgary Pride hosted an editorial photoshoot featuring our remarkable 2023 Pride Parade Marshals – Suzette Mayr, Shane OnYou, Aalayna, Cece Chow, and Adora Nwofor — who united in a celebration of love, acceptance, and the amplification of Trans voices. This photoshoot was created to highlight our 2023 Parade Marshals, their powerful messages, and the year-round work they do for our local communities. Photos from the shoot and interviews with each individual will be posted through Calgary Pride’s social media platforms and can be found at @calgarypride through the month of November.
All people deserve the respect and the freedom to be who they truly are. In times of rising polarization which has spread misinformation about the Transgender community, it is more important than ever to celebrate Trans voices, and recognize that Transgender people are your neighbors, friends, and family, and contribute to every industry and community. When Transgender rights are compromised, all human rights are undermined.
Everyone deserves to live in a world free from discrimination against gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and Calgary Pride continues to work towards that world.
Suggestions for Marshal Interview Questions:
- How has the Trans experience in Alberta shifted in the last several months?
- How do you maintain pride in moments of community hardship?
- What’s something you would like others to know about Trans individuals?
- What would you share with people who have received misinformation about what it means to be Trans?
- Do you have a message for queer kids?
- Can you share with us a moment or memory of trans joy?
- Can you share some of your community contributions and involvements?
Photoshoot Details:
Arrival Time: Media outlets are welcome to arrive at the location at 12 PM/noon on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023.
Location: Mas Studios, 812 16th Ave SW, Calgary AB.
Upon arrival, please buzz 002 + green bell button and we will open the door for you. Please be aware this studio is on the second floor with no elevator.
While you may take behind-the-scenes shots/footage with the participant’s permission, please inquire to Calgary Pride for final photoshoot images, and we will share them once available.
Makeup/Hair: Amy MacFarland and Nyaguich Lony
Photographer: Vuk Vukovic
Agency: Mode Models & Talent
Parade Marshals Social Media:
Aalayna (She/They) – @thegoddessaalayna
Adora Nwofor (She/Her)- @statuesse
Cece Chow (She/Her) – @thetransplanter
Shane OnYou (He/Him) – @shaneonyou_1
Suzette Mayr (She/Her)- @suzettemayr
Media Contact:
Name: Anna Kinderwater (she/her/they)
Title: Manager of Communications
Organization: Calgary Pride
Email: anna@calgarypride.ca
Socials:
@calgarypride
#CalgaryPride #WeAreCalgaryPride
About Calgary Pride
Calgary Pride is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization. Our mandate is to advance visibility and inclusion for Calgary’s gender and sexually diverse communities; to do this, we endeavor to build strong community partnerships, implement ongoing programs like Reading with Royalty, Queerly Festive, Evolve: Pride Amplified, and Calgary’s premier celebration of diversity, Calgary Pride Week, Parade & Festival.
We thank the Indigenous communities of Turtle Island for both the historic and ongoing stewardship and protection of the land we collectively inhabit today. Many nations and people, Indigenous and non, are fortunate to call Moh’kinsstis and Treaty 7 territory our home. Acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol, which we honor as a step towards reconciliation and fulfilling our responsibilities as Treaty people. Working alongside all Nations, Indigenous and non, we strive to create safe spaces where everyone can live openly and authentically.
