Justin Trudeau will become the first Canadian Prime Minister to march in a gay Pride parade later this year.
Trudeau has previously marched in Pride parades in Vancouver and Toronto. However, this will be the first time he has participated as Prime Minister.
Toronto Pride shared the news on Twitter. Trudeau responded saying he was looking forward to taking part in the parade again in his new role as the country’s elected leader.
We’re delighted to announce that @JustinTrudeau will be the first Prime Minister in history to attend #PrideTO! pic.twitter.com/PbAu4KAyRS
— Pride Toronto (@PrideToronto) February 22, 2016
Very much look forward to being there again, this time as PM. #PrideTO https://t.co/cz5gBLZNyD
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 22, 2016
Mathieu Chantelois, Pride Toronto’s executive director, told BuzzFeed Canada of Trudeau’s involvement:
“[It’s] big news in Canada but big news around the world,” Chantelois said. “Not only because he is probably the sexiest politician alive but also because there has never been a leader of a country to walk in a parade, at least not that we know of.”
He said no former Canadian prime minister has taken part in a Pride parade, either.
Chantelois said he spoke to Trudeau recently at his office in Ottawa, where he was “very surprised” and “very excited” to hear he would be the first Canadian prime minister to take part.
“It’s a nice way to make history,” Chantelois said.
Chantelois added that he believes LGBT issues are important to Trudeau:
“When we met him in his office, he was really serious about talking about trans rights, about equal rights, about immigration, about gay men donating blood,” Chantelois said. “All these things are very important topics for him.”
