Photos: Behind the scenes at the Vancouver Pride parade before the fun begins

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      This morning, I spent some time talking to folks and snapping photos along Thurlow, Alberni, and Robson streets in advance of the official start of the Pride parade.

      I didn't see nearly as many politicians as in past years, and perhaps that's because I arrived too early.

      But the sidewalks were filling up with the hundreds of thousands who watch this annual spectacle of love and acceptance.

      I did bump into Burnaby-Edmonds NDP MLA Raj Chouhan, who's rumoured to be the next speaker of the legislature.

      If he fills this position, he'll be the first speaker of South Asian ancestry in any legislature in Canada.

      Chouhan recalled that when he was elected to the legislature in 2005, he was the only NDP MLA representing any of Burnaby's constituencies. In 2017, the NDP swept all four Burnaby seats.

      While in opposition, Chouhan introduced three private member's bills to reinstate the B.C. Human Rights Commission, which was abolished by the B.C. Liberal government in 2002.

      The possible future speaker of the legislature, Raj Chouhan, was joined by his NDP colleague, Social Development and Poverty Reduction Minister Shane Simpson.
      Charlie Smith

      This week with Chouhan and several other NDP MLAs at his side, Premier John Horgan announced that a new human rights commission will be created. Chouhan pointed out that B.C. is the only province in Canada that doesn't have one.

      "When we're talking about preventing and fighting discrimination at all levels, you have to have an institution and a tool like the human rights commission," Chouhan told the Straight today. "It not only represents people but also encourages others to be aware of what their rights and their responsibilities are to make sure the community is so wonderful and so inclusive. That's a role of the human rights commission."

      Below, you can see some of the snapshots I took before the parade started. Happy Pride!

      It's party time in downtown Vancouver.
      Charlie Smith
      Movie unions came up with an imaginative way to demonstrate their Pride.
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      That's one very impressive rainbow.
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      Former Vision Vancouver park commissioner Constance Barnes shows that she's still one of the West End's favourite divas.
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      The B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union was one of many labour organizations at the parade.
      Charlie Smith
      The best way to beat the heat just might be by wearing fewer clothes.
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      Port Metro Vancouver paid attention to the colour scheme on its float.
      Charlie Smith
      We never found out who would be riding like royalty in these Vision Vancouver vehicles.
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      It sort of seemed like car-free day on Alberni Street.
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      The B.C. Nurses' Union is proud of its LGBT members.
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      There were more tech workers at Pride this year than ever before.
      Charlie Smith
      Sometimes when you're completely fatigued by the heat, it helps to have a spear to lean on.
      Charlie Smith
      Happy Pride!
      Charlie Smith

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