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There was a time when everyone was welcome. Marching in the parade was a demonstration old biases were eroding

Cops, for example. There are gay cops, lesbian cops, transgender cops, bisexual cops, queer cops. All the letters of the Pride acronym. In a profession as historically macho as cophood, it presumably takes a lot to publicly declare yourself to be of a different sexual persuasion. Courage, for one thing. And it requires a further diversion from the rigid male culture of law enforcement for police chiefs to not only accept the reality of sexual identity but to encourage and promote the acceptance as well. If police want to march in the Pride parade, therefore, one would think Pride organizers would be keen to encourage them to do so. It’s all about the embrace of diversity and the acceptance of differences, isn’t it?

Nope. It’s not. Pride has become such a deeply politicized enterprise that merely wanting to be its friend is not considered sufficient. Toronto police learned this when they were told they would not be welcome to march in this year’s annual parade due to the opposition of Black Lives Matter, which disrupted last year’s parade to deliver a list of demands, including the banning of uniformed police. This year police could march, but not in uniform. They could wear their uniform while providing protection for the parade, but not to walk with the people they were protecting.

Calgary’s Pride organizers were apparently impressed. The Calgary force has been told that, for this year’s march, Toronto rules apply. Cops can march, but not in uniform. In fact, they can display nothing that might confer the message that, as an institution, police agree with the fundamental vision of the organizers. No uniforms, vehicles, floats or other similar hints of policeness. They can take part, as long as they do nothing that identifies them for who they are. “We welcome the participation of Calgary Police Services, and other law enforcement agencies in a manner that demonstrates allyship and understanding,” says Calgary Pride. Just as long as they do their best to hide their identity, like gays used to do.