BY MELODIE KRIEGER
Victoria Pride Festival returns to in-person celebrations with a week-long spotlight on our local 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. After two years in isolation, the Victoria Pride Society says they’re thrilled to bring everyone together to “let our rainbow flags fly!”
StatsCanada’s 2021 census revealed Greater Victoria is the non-binary capital of Canada, living up to the tagline Pride in You!
This year’s Victoria Pride will feature more multigenerational experiences than ever before. Victoria Pride Society is also partnering with the Victoria Disability Resource Centre to ensure accessibility for all. (Visit VPS’s website to register for resources.)
Here’s what to expect:
Youth Pride Kick-Off: Queer Prom
June 23
What better way to kick off pride than for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to come together for a night of art, dancing, music, and performance!
Big Gay Dog Walk
June 24 @ 6:30 to 8:00pm
Mix and mingle with fellow canine lovers and furry friends, plus win great prizes for best tricks and costumes.
Victoria Pride Parade
June 26 @ 11:00am
Following a scenic new route across the Johnson Street Bridge, ending at the downtown Inner Harbour, this is one event not to be missed! Can’t make it in person? The parade will be broadcast live nationally via CHEK News and streamed on the VPS website.
Pride Festival in the Park
June 26 @ 10:00am-8:00pm
Expect a day filled with laughter, music, dancing and drag with a family-friendly festival in MacDonald Park. This fully fenced-in and licensed event will feature musical guests, Queer As Funk and Ange Hehr.
Show your support so volunteer-run events like this may continue. Get your tickets for a fabulous fundraiser and premium Pride experience at the Vicious Poodle Pride Lounge.
LOUD and Proud
June 27 @ 7:00pm–1:00am
Celebrate with an exciting night featuring local drag superstars, Vivian Vanderpuss and Eddilicious, as well as the House of Dubét. Afterwards, hit the dance floor with DJ Vixen Von Flex.
Queer Activism Night
June 30 @ 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Hosted by the Victoria Pride Society Youth Council, this educational event will feature talks on subjects ranging from social justice to self-empowerment.
Memorial Drag Ball Game
July 1 @ 12:00pm
Always a blast, the drag ball game and community picnic is Canada’s only Pride event held in remembrance of those who passed away during the AIDS pandemic.
Pride in the Word
July 2 @ 7:00pm-9:30pm
Featuring six critically acclaimed writers from the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, this is the largest Pride literary event in Canada.
For more details about the events listed above, visit victoriapridesociety.org.