4 minute read
Pride month
When the organizers of Airdrie’s inaugural Pride event in 2019 saw more than 2,000 people come to Nose Creek Park to stand in solidarity, they could have never imagined that it would be the only in-person celebration of gay rights for the next two years.
However, the Airdrie Pride Society (APS) has not let COVID-19 restrictions stop them from celebrating their rights.
Last June, the group created the first Pride on Your Porch event where residents all across the city were invited to bring the rainbow pathway from Nose Creek Park to their front doors.
“Since a gathering on the scale of our first festival is again unviable, we can show each other the same solidarity in a different way; by decorating your doorstep, homes and businesses with rainbows and the spirit of Pride,” says Sullivan Brenner, APS festival director.
“I wanted to do this event again, regardless of if we were able to have Pride celebrations in person or not, because it was really special to be going for a walk and just come across rainbow flags and beautiful decorations and shows of support. It becomes so much bigger, and makes the whole city feel warmer and safer.”
Last year’s event saw people decorating the front of their homes and businesses with colourful flags, pinwheels, window paint, chalk, murals, flowers and much more.
Residents can take photos of the ways they are showing their Pride on their homes and businesses and share them on social media with the hashtag #AirdriePrideOnYourPorch
Brenner says APS was thrilled with the response to Pride on Your Porch last year and that having so many buildings colourfully decorated sends a strong message.
“Rural Albertan places still have a bit of a sour reputation and this is one way we can work towards dispelling that, and showing how things get better,” he says.
BY STACIE GAETZ PRIDE
P E R S E V E R E S
VIRTUAL VENUES
In the interest of safety, APS will be hosting a number of virtual programs and presentations throughout the month of June.
“We’re opting to lean on virtual programming so that no matter how the restrictions change – we can still provide programming to the community,” says Brenner.
On June 19, APS will host a live stream that will include a number of performances including a drag show, live music, spoken word, and some presentations by Airdrie Pride board members.
Throughout June, APS will be running the regular programming of the PRYSM youth group and Parenting with Pride.
Brenner adds that they are considering a number of “flex events” that can be done virtually as well as in person if that becomes a safe option.
“Especially due to the isolating nature of the pandemic, finding some way to still feel connected and supported even though it has to look different is extra important and more than worth it. Something different is better than nothing at all,” he adds.
For more information on virtual events as it becomes available, follow APS on social media.
SALIENT SOCIETY
APS has been in operation since 2014 and serves to connect and support the LGBTQ2IA+ residents of Airdrie, and our surrounding rural communities.
“We create community spaces for youth, parents and adults to connect with one another,” says Brenner, who has been a member of the Society since 2018 and the festival director since 2020.
Brenner says that although the pandemic has caused the APS to change the location and set-up of the celebration, it does not change the connection that Pride creates in a community.
“Having Pride here in our city and receiving so much support for not only the celebration but also our organization is so valuable in showing people this is a safe place to live,” says Brenner. “That you are welcome here, so come as you are. We’re still here, even if we have to be extra creative about how we take care of each other.” life
