Pride Season in Canada spans from June to September, honoring the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians to the nation. It includes Pride Month in June, Public Service Pride Week in August, and various summer Pride events nationwide. Originating from the Stonewall riots of 1969, where the LGBT community protested police brutality, Pride events advocate for political and social change. These celebrations commemorate the fight for equality and celebrate the diverse identities within 2SLGBTQI+ communities including one right here in Northumberland.
Trent Hills Pride’s Emilio Ojeda tells us they’ve got a number of events planned.
The week’s events kick-off with Drag Storytelling at the Warkworth Library on June 1st. This free event is suitable for all ages and will include stories, songs and fun with Betty Baker. Later on Saturday, there’ll be an opening party at the Warkworth Percy Park from 7 to 11 pm featuring live bands, a DJ, plus an adult beverage garden.
According to Ojeda, the popular Rocky Horror Picture Show will be back again this year.
On June 6, you’re invited to come as you are or dress up for the annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Aron Theatre in Cambpellford. The fun begins at 6 pm.
On Friday, June 7 Drags will ‘take over’ McGillicafey’s in Hastings from 6 to 11 pm and the Dockside Bistro in Cambpellford from 4 to 8 pm. These events sell out quickly so be sure to make your reservations soon.
The culmination of Trent Hills Pride activities will be on Saturday, June 8 with the Pride Festival at the Old Mill Park in Campbellford which runs from 12 noon to 6 pm.
Finally for THP, on June 21 there’ll be a Drag Bingo held at the Warkworth Legion from 6 to 11 pm with all proceeds going to support The Bridge Hospice.
This year the Drag Storytelling was scaled back due to negative feedback from a few residents. Ojeda is concerned at the tone of some of the messages.
Ojeda says that Drag Storytelling is about engaging in equality, in inclusion, but he feels like they’re “going backwards instead of forwards, so these little events are very important to educate the community.”
Ojeda described what participants experience during a storytelling.
The Canadian government says the county has experienced “a long and rich history in the struggle for 2SLGBTQI+ rights“, marked by key events, of which Pride Month is one. Federal laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights advanced in 1996 and 2000. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005. Recent laws banned discrimination and conversion therapy. However, discrimination persists.
This month across the county, Pride Month is about recognizing 2SLGBTQI+ communities’ resilience and advocate for equality.
Visit the Trent Hills Pride website for the a complete list of events, times and locations.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
