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VANCOUVER, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Sunday joined thousands of others in the streets of downtown Vancouver in western Canada for the city's annual Pride Parade.
This is the 38th Pride Parade of Vancouver's gay, lesbian and transgender community. It spreads the message that everybody is equal and deserves to be loved and respected regardless of their sexuality or gender.
One of the participant Casha told Xinhua that the Pride Parade was "all about diversity and celebration of the uniqueness that everybody in the gay community enjoys, so that's why it's important."
It's impossible to count so many people, but organizers claim that nearly half a million come out each year to the parade.
This is the first time a sitting Canadian prime minister has joined the parade in Vancouver, even though Trudeau has marched several times at the event in the past.
A drag queen named Brooke said Pride is about turning your back on discrimination and hatred in all its forms.
"Pride is all about love and community. They think that they can break us down, but together we will come back fighting harder and harder," Brook said.
The event seems to grow larger every year and has become Western Canada's largest parade. It's also one of the largest street parties across all Canada and the United States.
The parade organizers say the event generates millions of U.S. dollars for the local economy, but the true meaning of Pride is to raise awareness for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, diversity and friendship, while also raising awareness about sexual health.
