Before there was Prince George Pride Garth Toovey remembers meeting in basements with other gay and lesbian activists, afraid.
"It was a struggle then. We didn't have this," said Toovey Saturday at the launch of the city's 18th annual pride parade.
Toovey came dressed in regal drag, complete with a crown, as Ivana 'B Alone and touched on that history to kick off the event.
"Pride started as a very political experience," the 52-year-old told the crowd gathered at city hall's lawn.
"It wasn't about the fun, it wasn't about dancing. It wasn't about getting drunk, it wasn't about doing anything crazy. It was because we had a belief," he said.
"We're not done by any means."
After that speech Toovey said he spoke so people wouldn't "forget why we started.
"It's important to celebrate where we came from and look forward to what we can do," said Toovey, who was inducted into the Queer Hall of Fame about five years ago for his work in queer rights for the north.
The region has come a long way since Toovey gave voice to his orientation, about 20 years ago, although he noted, "I don't remember ever being in."
"It was a challenge for us to do things, getting the Gay Straight Alliances into the schools, getting acceptance so I can hold my husband's hand when I'm walking down the street. It was a struggle."
About 50 organizations took part in this year's lengthened parade route. That's nearly double the parade participants from last year. Friday night's Queen of the North drag show also drew record crowds, with more than 300 filing the standing-room space at the Ramada downtown.
Even with those successes organizers faced homophobic shouts from a man at Thursday's set-up, to a degree that they needed to call the police.
It was the first time Toovey remembers an issue at the event since it first started 18 years ago, when protesters lined the streets.
Valentine Crawford, president of Prince George Pride, said the episode ruined his day, but forced him to reflect.
"The hatred's that there, that still exists. But so many people being here speaks to the fact that it's not welcome and that we are here to support each other."
Crawford said he was humbled by the support for pride and the fact that the event keeps growing.
"We're doing the right things and when people show up it's because they want to and they feel safe and welcome," he said.
"This time of year once the rubber hits the pavement it's a good time to reflect on why it is we do what we do. We're all volunteers. We give of ourselves freely."
Crawford was also happy that Vancouver Pride Society made it up north for the first time. Nick Spurling, chair of outreach its committee said the Vancouver group tours other pride events to show support, especially for smaller groups.
"It took other prides supporting us for us to get where we are so now we're trying to do the same," said Spurling, adding the focus of Saturday's advocacy was its latest campaign, Trans Equality Now.
"It's definitely something that's been put on the backburner in a lot of the LGBT communities. I think part of that was just everyone was pushing for marriage equality and once we had that it shifted a little more toward trans rights."
For the final Prince George Pride event, 13-year-old Milan Halikowski was recognized Sunday for his work on transgender rights as this year's Phoenix Award winner - handed to someone who embodies strength, beauty, rebirth and inspiration.
