Vancouver Pride Society co-chairperson Nicole Tran, left, and Zhanar Sekerbayeva of Kazakhstan, the international grand marshal for this year's annual Pride Parade, at the society's offices in Vancouver on July 29. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

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The theme of this year’s Pride celebrations in Vancouver, ‘Unapologetically Queer,’ is more meaningful than ever as an increasingly polarized political climate impacts queer and trans communities around the globe, said Vancouver Pride co-chairperson Nicole Tran.

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“We are in a place that we can celebrate and uplift our community, embrace our differences and make sure that our community knows that they belong,” said Tran.

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Last week’s terror attack at Berlin’s Pride celebration, which left one person dead and 29 injured, has shaken Pride organizers around the world.

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“The reality is there are people who don’t want us to celebrate, who have hate and violence toward our queer and our trans community. It can rattle you. It also shows us there is a lot we still need to do,” Tran said.

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Public safety is a priority as local festivities unfold this weekend, said Tran. The organization is working closely with the Vancouver police and the city, and security includes the deployment of Mobile Anti-Vehicle Barriers.

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Pride is one of the city’s most popular and well-attended bashes. In 2025 the Pride Parade drew 100,000 attendees, and gave the city a $30-million economic boost, but the Vancouver Pride Society has faced funding shortfalls and struggled with rising costs.

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“Last year we saw a significant drop in corporate funding by about 50 per cent, and we are seeing a lower number (of funding) this year,” said Tran.

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Even with support from provincial and federal grants, rising costs to support free programming, accessibility, crowd management and security are a significant challenge.

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Nicole Tran is the co-chairperson of the board of directors for the Vancouver Pride Society. She’s pictured at the society’s offices in Vancouver on July 29. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

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This year’s sponsors include TD Bank and the West End Business Improvement Association. In June, the city provided a one-time cash infusion of $75,000 after a city council motion passed unanimously.

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Tran called that support incredible: “It sends a strong message that the city is here for our community and the most marginalized members of our community.”

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This year’s international grand marshal, Zhanar Sekerbayeva, a human-rights activist and co-founder of the LGBT women’s rights group Feminita, said public Pride celebrations aren’t possible in her native Kazakhstan.

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“People can be detained, and even face criminal charges,” said Sekerbayeva.

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Zhanar Sekerbayeva of Kazakhstan is the international grand marshal for this year’s annual Pride Parade. She’s pictured at the Vancouver Pride Society’s offices in Vancouver on July 29. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG

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Sister Visa DeKline, president of the Vancouver Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a registered charity that supports community initiatives, will act as grand marshal in honour of the late Sister Diversity Reigns, Dan Wurzer, who died in March at age 82.

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Wurzer was a mainstay in the annual parade decked out in a bejewelled wimple and feathered eyelashes, entertaining the crowd with a rubber chicken.

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“Pride is so important now, more than ever,” said DeKline, also known as Brandon McNeney, a drag artist and community advocate who lives in Alberta. “We have people in positions of power trying to legislate against the queer and trans community, and an uptick in hateful rhetoric.”