After a two-year ban from the summer festivities, Pride Toronto has relented and allowed police to apply for participation in next year’s parade, a decision that is not sitting well with some members of the LGBTQ community.At a joint press conference Tuesday at The 519 community centre, Pride Toronto executive director Olivia Nuamah said the decision was reached following a lengthy process of consultations with both the police and community members.Those discussions will continue as both sides look to mend fences and improve a complex relationship, one that has left many in the community losing trust in the police organization and their handling of tragic cases in the LGBTQ community.Nuamah singled out the death of transgender woman Alloura Wells, and the case of accused serial killer Bruce McArthur, as the major reasons why the partnership turned sour. Wells’ body was found in the Rosedale area after four months of her disappearance, and McArthur has been charged with eight counts of first-degree murder but long after police had denied the existence of a serial killer targeting men in the Gay Village.“We had to have conversations inside the community about what that meant for us, about what community safety means in relation to our relationship with police, and that takes as long as it takes,” she said.“Right now, this is the most comfortable thing for Pride Toronto.”She said Pride Toronto is “a true partner” with the city and the police, and the decision to allow police back to the parade will continue to be based on ensuring the community remains safe. Police Chief Mark Saunders said it’s unfortunate that people are taking Tuesday’s announcement as “a eureka moment.” The process of getting police back at Pride has been going on for some time and this is the beginning of a much longer journey, he said.“The importance of inclusion is what defines community safety,” he said. R ...
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