'LGBTQ': Labels or diversity?

http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2013/06/05/lgbtq-labels-or-diversity/
6/5/13
Jillian Page

I look forward to the day when we won't use labels for "LGBTQ" people anymore. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer-identified people cry out for tolerance and acceptance of their sexual orientation and gender identity — and for equal rights. They just want to be part of the great sea of humanity, to be treated no better and no worse than anyone else. I think the main purpose of annual Pride parades is to raise awareness, to say, "look, we're here, and we want equality."

So, why then, in places like Montreal where equality is a fait accompli, do we still have LGBTQ Pride parades and festivities? And why do some LGBTQ people fly figurative LGBTQ banners in their daily lives? I suppose the answer to my question, in part, is: it's about celebrating diversity. But it also seems to me to be about celebrating labels, and saying "we're different." Which seems to be a bit of a contradiction to me, if, in fact, those same people don't want to be treated any differently.