The event was first held in 1990[1] and was marked by marchers wearing paper bags over their heads, both out of fear of being identified and as a protest against the stigma that keeps LGBT people in the closet.

In 1988, Inspired by the Stonewall Riots, they produced a Pride festival to celebrate community which includes a concert, workshops, a dance, and a family picnic – but no public rally or protest.

140 people collected at the Old Y to pick up lone ranger masks, and then gather at the Boer War Statue in Central Memorial Park.

The parade was hosted by CLAGPAG and over 400 people muster at City Hall cheered on gay Member of Parliament Svend Robinson, who gives an inspiring speech despite gloomy weather and even gloomier protesters, three of whom were arrested.

[9] During this time Mayor Al Duerr famously proclaimed gay pride week in Calgary but then denied future proclamations due to public pressure.

[9] In 2009 Pride Calgary moves the parade from June to the September long weekend, and transitions from a grassroots collective to an incorporated non-profit society.

They believe that this deters from "engaging in meaningful discussions on how law enforcement agencies can best support Calgary’s gender and sexually diverse (GSD) community.