Pride “parades” were born from protest. They’re political, a fight for rights and in many parts of the world remain violent from the abuse they have to endure.

Saint Patrick’s Day was born from celebration. It is a day devoted to celebrating a people and their distinct culture.

Those “parades” happen once a year and for many are the one time of year they feel safe, seen and like they belong. They are literally spaces that were created to fill a gap everywhere else in society.

Spoiler: people don’t want parades once a year, they want inclusion.

Despite Pride being one of the happiest times of the year for me, I’d never advocate for another group of people to live that reality. I’d never advocate for someone to have to quite literally take to the streets to fight for their humanity.

And yet many groups do, because they have to. The Women’s March is not a parade. Act on Climate is not a parade. Idle No More is not a parade. They’re protests and action towards justice. They may have celebratory elements, but they remain demonstrations for human rights.