Political parties welcomed at YYC Pride 2026
Karra Smith, News Editor |
Calgary Pride is preparing for its 35th annual pride celebration, which will take place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6, but the organisation’s decision to open the festivities to political parties has sparked conversations across the city about inclusion.
For the first time since 2023, Calgary Pride opened its applications to political parties to join in on the week of 2SLGBTQIA+ celebrations.
Pride and politics
An announcement made on July 31 by the Calgary Pride Committee outlined that any political entity wishing to participate in events had until Aug. 18 to submit an online application—and while any group could apply to be involved, only those meeting Calgary Pride’s guidelines would be considered.
“Eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to, a demonstrated record of progressing the rights of marginalised communities– including advocacy for Indigenous communities, and formal, public policies that support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals,” the announcement stated.
According to the statement, this decision was made to “balance community safety, inclusion, accountability, and pride’s role as a space for celebration and visibility.”
But some are raising questions about which political parties will be included—particularly in online forums such as Reddit. “Hard to wrap your head around this…is Calgary Pride assuming certain groups won’t apply or do they have the stones to deny bad actors?” Reddit user FluffyEye666 wrote.
Political hurdles
Much of the discourse is centred around the United Conservative Party (UCP)’s eligibility.
In 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was banned from attending pride events across the province. In a statement that year, the group representing 14 pride societies across the province, Queer Citizens United YYC, said this action was a result of the UCP’s policies on trans rights.
“This is a direct response to Premier Danielle Smith’s stated intention to infringe on the rights, freedoms, and health care of the transgender community in Alberta,” the statement read.
Since then, the UCP has also received significant backlash for its use of the notwithstanding clause in December 2025 in reference to Bill 9 amendments.
This has led many to question where the current governing party stands in terms of Calgary Pride 2026 and to criticise pride for allowing political parties to apply in the first place.
“Legitimately, we all know the UCP’s stance on things. We all know the recently passed legislation. So why even toy around with this?” Says Reddit User blackRamCalgaryman.
While many have raised concerns about the province’s political discourse, co-chair of Calgary Pride, Riley Sogge, said in the statement that, at this time, unity matters more than ever. “It’s a scary time to be a queer person, and we want to make sure that we are celebrating and standing up for–and with–those who stand up for us when we need it most,” Sogge said in the announcement.
As many 2SLGBTQIA+ people have echoed their concerns citywide, SAMRU’s Representation Executive Council President, Noel Ormita, says that support for students is available on campus and that creating an environment where all feel welcome is necessary for community growth.
“We do also recognise that, for some students, it may feel a little bit of discomfort, seeing those [political parties], but what we’re trying to create is not just safe spaces, but also brave spaces for students; that’s really essential in ensuring that their education, and their journey here at SAMRU, is supported,” says Ormita.
The Reflector reached out to the UCP for comment, but did not receive a response.
2024 Calgary Pride attendees show off signs in support of
the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Photo by Bella Coco
