June 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Bars, Nightclubs & Lounges
Dean Fortin, Mayor of the City of Victoria, attended Paparazzi’s Pride Kick-Off Party on Saturday night. He gave a speech expressing support towards the LGBTT community of Victoria saying that he believes that Pride does not only involve LGBTT people, but it also involves everyone else. By celebrating Pride, they are building community with the entire city. Fortin acknowledged that families are very diverse and can be made in different ways. He explained how one of his daughter’s friends has “two mommies,” and they are very important to Fortin and his family.
Besides the mayor, David Tillson, president of Victoria Pride Society, was one of the special guests of the night. He received a $5,000 donation on behalf of VPS from Paparazzi owners. Tillson says that VPS is one of the few Pride Societies in the world that does not have financial pressure because the local gay bar is always supporting them with people and donations.
Now that Pride week has started, different events will take place in Victoria commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York.