The Policing of Pride:
2SLGBTQI+ Experiences of Safety in Spaces with Police Presence
Calgary Pride is re-launching a research and engagement initiative that’s exploring how 2SLGBTQI+ Calgarians—especially those of diverse intersecting marginalized identities—experience safety, trust, and inclusion in spaces where police are present.
This project is a continuation of our previous Town Halls, community surveys, and consultations – which led to new policies banning uniformed police from participating in the Pride Parade since 2019 – and will continue to shape policy recommendations for the City of Calgary.
This project is funded by Women & Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) and is in research partnership with The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity
Why the Concern About Police Presence?
Rooted in the resistance of systemic oppression, Pride is a movement that affirms and celebrates the dignity, visibility, and rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people. It challenges historical and ongoing marginalization by affirming the right to live safely and authentically without fear. Pride creates space for visibility, solidarity, protest, and joy, as many still face discrimination, violence, and erasure due to their identities (Day, 2022).
History of Police and Pride
In the 1970s
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) tracked gay student activists, appearing at their apartments for the purpose of intimidation.
Into the 80s
Gay men experienced routine harassment from CPS at Central Memorial Park, which included overnight incarcerations without cause.
In 1980
When the Gay Information and Resources Calgary (GIRC) applied for a permit to host a pride march, it was met by the Chief of Police’s refusal, with threats of arrest and charges of unlawful public disturbance for unauthorized marching.
“We are here to remind political leaders it is wrong in Alberta that it’s still legal to fire us from jobs, throw us from homes, and deny us goods and services because of who we love,” noted BC New Democrat MP, Svend Robinson, in 1991 – in what comes to be known as the first Calgary Pride. Approximately 400 people marched at City Hall and three were arrested.
In 2002
CPS raids of queer spaces continued, such as in Goliath’s Bathhouse, where operators and patrons were charged under outdated bawdy house laws.
In 2016
YYC Voices and Calgary Pride requested to meet with CPS to discuss the topic of police participation in Pride celebrations, as it contradicted the purpose of Pride, given the history of oppression of 2SLGBTQI+ people by police forces, and in light of the BLM movement taking place in Toronto. The CPS Chief of Police denied this request.
In 2017
Calgary Pride facilitated focused community engagement meetings with the queer community, ensuring a broad range of representation. Later that year, following the continued pressure from YYC Voices and Calgary Pride, as well as support from the Chief of Halifax Regional Police and two CPS Diversity officers, a meeting was scheduled with the Calgary Chief of Police.
Two more years of extensive community engagement followed, which culminated in Calgary Pride releasing a policy in 2019, banning uniformed police from participating in the parade.
However, to this day, the City of Calgary still mandates police presence at Calgary Pride.
The Work Continues
Look out for the following events to get involved:
This project is a continuation of our previous Town Halls, community surveys, and consultations – which led to new policies banning uniformed police from participating in the Pride Parade since 2019 – and will continue to shape policy recommendations for the City of Calgary.
This project is funded by Women & Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) and is in research partnership with University of Alberta’s Fyrefly Institute.
Pride 2025: Survey Pilot
- Help us assess new measures, rename the project and inform its future direction!
2026
- A Town Hall Series
2027
- Final Reports & Public Release
- Policy Recommendations