Calgary Shriners to ride in Pride parade

They're a staple in most parades across North America, but now the Shriners' red felt hats and mini cars will be riding in the Calgary Pride Parade.

"One of the challenges that we have is the public perception of Shriners ... that we're old white guys frankly, and that's not the case," says Byron Nelson, head of the Al Azhar Shriners for southern Alberta.

Nelson says the organization faces a few stereotypes, partly because of their funny outfits and small cars, but also because their history and purpose are not well known.

Shriners International is a charitable arm of the secret society, the Freemasons.

To be a Shriner, one must first be a Mason, which is considered one of the oldest fraternities in the world, dating back to the Middle Ages.

But Nelson says despite public perception, both groups welcome members regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.

The Shriners also own and operate 22 children's hospitals across North America, providing free treatments for families.

"So that's why we go in those parades and why the Pride parade is so great, because of course if there's a child who is a child of a gay couple, they're still going to get our help and we want them to be in our system if they need our help," says Nelson.

"But it's one of our challenges letting people know that is what we do," he adds.

J. R. Beauregard, who has been a Mason for 26 years, plans to march alongside the Shriners in the Calgary Pride Parade, slated for Sept. 4 this year.

"I believe as Masons, since we are all equal, then we should be supporting the gay and lesbian community," says Beauregard, who's hoping to become a Shriner this fall.

One of the organizers behind the Calgary Pride Parade says it's exciting to see a broader section of the community wanting to participate.

"We appreciate anyone who wants to march and who supports our mission of a society free of discrimination to our LGBTQ community and we welcome them into our parade and we look forward to that," says Craig Sklenar, government affairs director for Calgary Pride.

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