Being a member of Girl Guides of Canada–Guides du Canada has always been an influential and positive experience for me. But I never realized just how proud I was to be a member of such an incredible organization until I was given the opportunity to walk in the Halifax Pride Parade this year.

I chose to march in the parade because my dad is gay. I also marched for some of my best friends who are trans, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and more. Being able to walk in a parade that is so important to people that are important to me was such an incredible feeling. Watching as their faces smiled as I walked past made me explode with happiness.

The morning started with some of my best friends, Jessie, Kaitlyn, Jade, Calena and Anna all meeting up. We all chose to carry posters that had been made by some Guiders that had inspirational sayings on them. Then, we began to walk! Throughout the whole walk, we exploded with Girl Guide pride. We sang songs such as the Girl Guide Marching Song and Thunderation and Everywhere We Go! My favourite part of singing these songs, especially Everywhere We Go, was hearing the crowd repeat the verses after us. The applause Girl Guides received made my heart so, so happy. The walk was long, but it felt much shorter when we were surrounded by happy cheering, and of course, the company of other Girl Guides!

I believe that this is the perfect event to showcase what a welcoming space Girl Guides of Canada truly is. This event is great because not only does it get people interested in joining Girl Guides, but it also shows that we, as members of this community, are welcoming and happy and proud. Girl Guides of Canada is one of the most welcoming spaces I have ever been a part of. This parade shows that Girl Guides accepts all girls and women. I am so honoured and proud to be a part of this welcoming organization, and I am so lucky I get to call myself a Girl Guide.

Guest post by Olivia Trivett, a 17-year-old Ranger who recently received her Chief Commissioner’s Gold Award.  Through Girl Guiding, she has made some of her best friends, as well as had the chance to visit Our Chalet in Switzerland and visit Paris, France. In the future, Olivia hopes to study chemistry, and eventually research pharmaceutical drugs, and have her own research lab.

Our new Community Event Kit contains all the info you’ll need to promote your Guiding group’s participation at local fairs, parades, and festivals. Check it out!