Bash Back! News

Edmonton, AB (Canada): On June 28th, 2009, a group of radical Queer activists will be marching to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the five days of rioting that began at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969. In reclaiming the spirit of the Stonewall Rebellion, the Queer Recruitment Army (QRA) will also be taking a stand against the increasing commercialization of Pride.

Organized in protest of this year’s renaming of the Edmonton Pride Parade to the “TD Canada Trust Pride Parade and Celebration on the Square” the Queer Recruitment Army challenges LGBTTIQQ communities to demand liberation and fight appropriation.

QRA member Mitchell Jones notes, “Stonewall was a spontaneous and militant response to intense police repression, and symbolized a significant turn in U.S. and Canadian activism. Who in fact stood up to the police were communities often marginalized within the broader “Gay” movement, including people who were trans, drag queens, and People of Colour. Unfortunately, we see this marginalization continue today, which is why celebrating the 40th anniversary of Stonewall is so important.”

The origin of Pride parades and marches were in commemoration of the anniversary of Stonewall. However, each year, Pride celebrations around the world have become increasingly commercialized. Jones adds, “Pride celebrations are more and more about selling products to LGBTTIQQ markets than they are about demanding equality for all, and celebrating our Pride.”

The Queer Recruitment Army marched in this year’s TD Canada Trust Pride Parade and Celebration on the Square, holding signs that read ‘Our Pride Is Not For Sale’ and ‘Stonewall Wasn’t Sponsored by TD’. One participant wrote ‘My Colours Don’t Shine’ in lipstick on her body.

“Our intention was not to put down the Pride Week committee who I know care about equality. It is to challenge the impact and extent of sponsorship. We know that around the world, Pride sponsorship has squashed dissent. Here in Edmonton, our event was renamed after a bank!” QRA member Monika Penner claims. “I think it is great that a business wants to support Pride. In fact, all businesses – and individuals – should support Pride. But this rebranding turns a Queer event into a corporate event. And this has got to stop.”

QRA member Sleepflower adds, “With increasing commercialization of Pride, the focus has shifted from liberation to acceptance. Stonewall wasn’t about wanting straight people to simply ‘accept’ that ‘gay’ people exist – it was about demanding liberation from an oppressive culture. That’s what we’re demanding.”

The June 28th Stonewall Liberation march will follow the original Edmonton Pride Parade route. Participants will meet at 3 p.m. outside of Corbett Hall (82 Avene and 112 Street) and march down Whyte Avenue to Gazebo Park.

For more information or media interviews, email StonewallLiberation@yahoo.ca