Community

For me as queer individual from a country where being LGBTQ is extremely punishable by the current regime which they implement the most extreme and radical version of Islam. Being homosexual is punished by stoning to death or crashing under the wall on. Plus, the amount of hate speech by ordinary people is unbearable. While I have never participated in any pride parade in the past, I had the honor to be invited and participate in a pride parade and walk with our community together and showcase our unity and our seven-rainbow colours. This parade happened and was organized by the authorities of Windsor Essex County on the 11 of August in the Windsor area. There were delegates of different sectors from police to paramedic, as well political parties and representatives of businesses and banks were there to show their support. I, alongside other participants, were representatives of the South Essex Community, which is an organization for helping people, I was holding the banner with the local of the organization. We had music followed by performers who exhibited their talent and beauty. People were sitting along the sidewalk, there were families, children, everyone was giving us the vibe and praising us. After the parade, there was a small exhibition in a park where different organizations showed their services and business. There was live music, and street food stalls. There was a hotdog stall which only accepted cash. However, I had no cash with me so there was a generous lady who paid for my food while I said it was ok, she insisted so I thanked her I introduced myself to her as a newcomer from Afghanistan.

It was a long walk on a sunny and windy day. The weather was confusing; in the sun we felt too hot but when we took shelter in the shade it was cold. I directly came from my night shift, so I had not slept but I felt it was my duty to attend the parade and walk along with my community in my new home. It was fun and I felt seen and included. While I was stuck between work and home it was a great day, I did not feel tired or bored at all.