The first Pride Parade happened in Charlottetown in 1994, the summer after we arrived on Prince Edward Island. It was a shameful event, not for the parade itself, but for the insults and objects hurled from the sidewalks at the brave who ventured out.

Twenty-five years and one 18 year old son later, Pride was a very different thing today: a joyful celebration that stretched for miles and included as diverse a group as I’ve ever seen.

Among those participating was Oliver, who joined with the Green Party on its solar bicycle float; you can see him pedaling his heart out as he passed me on Euston Street this afternoon (he’s in a green T-shirt on the end of the bike, wearing a grey cap):

I am both a proud father, and proud of this Island for having evolved over the last 25 years.