While the actual total wasn't known by the time the Sudbury Pride Parade had finished, organizers know it was bigger than last year.
Hundreds of people gathered at Memorial Park in downtown Sudbury for the Fierté Sudbury Pride march and celebration.
Participating for the first time was Marie-Paule Paquette, whose husband announced after 34 years of marriage that he was gay.
“I'm here because I support the LGBTQ community fully,” she said. “(My husband) finally accepted who he was. I am so proud of those who come out when they're young, because they have their entire lives in front of them.”
Her husband now has a partner, and while he no longer lives in Sudbury, he does come to the city and they get together for reunions.
"He's still accepted in my family like he's one of their own – there's no problems, and I'm happy he can finally live the life he was born with.”
Paquette said her hope for others who are afraid to come out of the closet is to have the same support from their families.
“I think it's important for them to know there's an entire community that supports them.”
Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger was front and centre in the march through downtown Sudbury. He said he was impressed by the turnout, and believes it is important for community leaders to be out supporting everyone in the community.
“From what I've heard, the numbers just continue to grow every year,” he said. “As a council, we passed a charter that speaks to diversity and inclusion. We take this to heart, and we know it's important to celebrate that diversity and inclusion.”
Pride Week continues tonight with a youth social at The Open Studio at 6 p.m. And Zig's will host Pride Palooza.
Tomorrow, Sudbury Theatre Centre hosts The Spirit of Pride at 11 a.m.
For more information follow Fierté Sudbury Pride on Facebook or visit sudburypride.com.
