Guy Rockwell has witnessed through his cousin what it’s like to live a life that is not theirs.

He and his cousin grew up in the 1960s in a small community in the Maritimes.

“My cousin was living a conflicted life, unable to be himself,” says Guy. “For more than 30 years, my cousin was living a life that wasn’t his. I feel badly for the young him, but I feel fantastic for the 50-something him.”

Guy happily reports that his cousin is now “living his best life” with his partner.

Witnessing his cousin’s life naturally led Guy to champion for others to live their best life as an ally – one where they can be their most authentic selves.

Guy is an Instructor at Coast Mountain Bus Company, training future Transit Operators. One life lesson Guy passes on to his students is this:

“You have one kick at this life, one kick at this career, you owe it to yourself to have the best life possible.”

For Guy, one way he lives his ‘best life’ is by driving the Pride Bus at the annual Vancouver Pride Parade.

The ‘Guy’ behind the wheel of the Pride Bus at the Pride Parade

Guy has been keen to save the spot to drive the Pride Bus at the Pride Parade.

“Everyone knows he has his eye on the prize,” says Steve Muller, Assistant Manager of Training Operations.

Instructors can sign up to drive specially wrapped buses like the Lunar New Year Bus, Vaisakhi Bus, and Pride Bus at their respective parades. It gives instructors an opportunity to share their work with the community they have a personal connection with.

Guy has been signing up for Pride Parade every year, for the last three years, because it’s “a lot of fun and is a very inclusive environment.” He’s inspired to see the community’s solidarity and enjoyed being a part of positive conversations.

“I also love seeing everyone be themselves or be of character as drag kings and queens,” he adds.

The Vancouver Pride Parade is easily one of the largest celebrations in the city, so it’s no question that a remarkable role like driving the Pride Bus at the parade is highly sought-after. Sure, other instructors are interested in doing it, but how has Guy secured the spot consistently?

“Guy waits. He doesn’t do any other outreach work throughout the year except for the Pride Parade. With that and his seniority, he’s first in line,” says Steve.

Guy has been a part of the Coast Mountain Bus Company family for over 30 years, the first 15 years as a Transit Operator, and the rest as an Instructor.

One of the things that give him fulfillment on the job is driving the Pride Bus at the Parade. And Steve himself can see how much Guy loves to be a part of it.

“He just really enjoys the day. He enjoys the pageantry and colour and being in the middle of it.”

Guy’s favourite memory of Pride happened in 2023. TransLink partnered with local artist Joe Average, to adapt his iconic piece, the Bee Line, to be the year’s bus wrap to celebrate Pride.

Of course, Joe was on the Bee Line bus at the parade. And Guy, who was driving that bus, enjoyed watching Joe have the time of his life.

“Joe was at the front door, waving to people and wishing them happy Pride. He was so enthusiastic. He had to be held on to for safety,” Guy recalls, chuckling at the thought.

“Being able to drive the bus with him right there interacting, it was just phenomenal.”

Having been exposed to an inclusive environment as Pride has inspired Guy to champion inclusivity.

“They’re just human beings dealing with the cards they’re given, and trying to make the best of it. If others can just think – ‘how can I help them do that and not get in the way?’”

Guy believes that if more people thought that, that the world would change for the better.

Of course, Guy is driving the Pride Bus at the Pride Parade this year, which takes place on Sunday Aug. 4. It’ll be his fourth time doing so, and he is very excited. Don’t forget to say hi to Guy when you see him there!

Also come say hi to the TransLink team who are handing out souvenirs, and keep an eye on this year’s Pride Bus making its debut catwalk on the parade runway 😉

If you want to bring on the transit love at the parade, check out the TransLink Store for Pride-themed merchandise!

🌈 We’re a proud partner of the Pride Society and directly support their important initiatives.

 

From all of us at TransLink, happy Pride! 🏳🌈

With files from Sydney Lambert.