A huge thank you to the incredible staff of the Vancouver Pride Society for their tireless work all year long to bring Canada Pride to Vancouver for the first time. Their enthusiasm and dedication have made this the biggest season ever.
We are truly grateful for everything they've done to make this season amazing!
2024 VANCOUVER PRIDE STAFF
Co-Executive Director: Madison Holding
Director of Finance: Victoria Henshaw
Director of Community Engagement: Joseph Hoang
Programming and Events Manager: Zac Remple
ABOUT OUR COVER MODEL
TINASHEA MONÉT is a Black Transwoman and a Local Legend in the PNW LGBTQ+ community. She is known for her groundbreaking achievements, including being one of the first black transwomen to compete in the Miss Universe organization, reigning as Miss Capitol Hill USA 2024. Tinashea’s vision of creating a welcoming space for fellow queer and trans individuals led her to establish the eclectic and majestic beauty house known as House of Moschino in 2019 as the over all founding mother. In addition to her work in the ballroom scene, Tinashea is a freelance designer, model, and overall entertainer in the PNW for over 5 years. Follow her on Instagram @ tinasheamonet to stay up to date on her latest events and witness the beauty of this pioneer firsthand.
ABOUT OUR COVER
PHOTOGRAPHER
SIMONE CHNARAKIS, also known as @wurld2000k, is a 20-year-old Black photographer and DJ who was born, raised and is based in East Vancouver. Her priority with her practise is to highlight and uplift Black, BIPOC, and LGBTQAI2S+ communities, platforming those who are often underrepresented. In her photography, Simone wants to inspire people to get in front of the camera, to see themselves, and to feel empowered in their own image.
Communications Manager: Fábio de Miranda
Exhibitor Services Coordinator: Josephine Gray
Sponsorships Coordinator: Glenn Stensrud
Talent Coordinator: Jade Weekes
Marketing Specialist: Tolu Osunkoya
Community Partnerships Coordinator: Jay Legaspi
Volunteer Coordinator: Bianca Santana
Lead Event Coordinator:
Benjamin Bastillo
Graphic Designer: Chelle Lussi
Accessibility Coordinator: Ophelia Roswell
Event Coordinators: Adam Doucette, Nico Gonzales
Senior Business Consultant: Justin Khan
With special thanks to our contractors: Eduardo Ottoni, James Ong and the Eventlab team.
Welcome to the ancestral and unceded territory of the həəmiə-speaking Musqueam peoples, which we share with our relatives from Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh. We are overjoyed to finally be able to join you in-person again for the 45th Annual Vancouver Pride Parade. Together with the Vancouver Pride Society, we take this weekend to celebrate and honour our respected two-spirit community members and LGBTQIA+ friends and allies.
hay ce:p ə to the volunteers, staff, and many others for their hard work to organize this important weekend of celebrating pride and love throughout our territory.
x m θk m Musqueam Indian Band
(From 2023 Pride Magazine.)
Nch’ú7mut
Ta Néwyap, Síiyam Ta Néwyap Síiyam
(To Friends and Respected Leaders)
Chet wa ḵ’ayáchtni-túmiyap
(We raise our hands, in thanks to you all)
Yewan ha7lh sḵwálwen-chet kwis tl’a7áshen-chet
(We are really happy to celebrate with you all)
Nch’ú7mut kwi sḵwálwen-chet
(All of our hearts are one)
Reconnect
On behalf of the Squamish Nation Community, we unite with all two spirited people to embrace and celebrate Vancouver Pride 2024!
Nch’ú7mut-One Love S w w 7mesh xwumixw Squamish Nation
Welcome to the unceded, traditional territory of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) peoples for Canada Pride 2024 in Vancouver! We have good feelings in our hearts to join this year’s festival, in celebration of Infinite Horizons, and uplift our Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and LGBTQIA+ relatives and friends.
We are proud of our vibrant Tsleil-Waututh Nation community and our rich culture; our vision includes living in harmony, inspiring collaboration and unity. As "People of the Inlet," we remain dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the lands and waters of our traditional territory surrounding Burrard Inlet.
We join our relatives in raising our hands with gratitude to all those involved in making this event possible. We hope you enjoy your time on our beautiful, shared traditional territory.
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
Vancouver Pride Society exists on the stolen, occupied, traditional and ancestral territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. We are grateful to the Indigenous peoples of these nations who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. We recognize that homophobia and transphobia were brought here through colonization and that the fight against these forms of oppression requires real action; action beyond the performative nature of statements like this. Learn about our commitments at vancouverpride.ca/territorial-acknowledgement
A message from the Board of Directors
As we prepare to celebrate Canada Pride 2024, we are filled with immense pride and excitement. This year's theme, "Infinite Horizons," embodies a vision that calls us to look beyond the horizon and embrace the limitless potential of Canada’s diverse and vibrant 2SLGBTQAI+ community.
As we prepare to celebrate Canada Pride 2024, we are filled with immense pride and excitement. This year's theme, "Infinite Horizons," embodies a vision that calls us to look beyond the horizon and embrace the limitless potential of Canada’s diverse and vibrant 2SLGBTQAI+ community. This theme challenges societal norms, urging us to adopt a forward-looking perspective and uplift authenticity in a world where queer identities face daily scrutiny. This year, as we gather once more to honor our shared history and embrace our individual and collective truths, we acknowledge the myriad of challenges faced by 2SLGBTQAI+ communities worldwide. While we celebrate, we remain acutely aware of the many hardships faced by communities around the world. We acknowledge the struggles and challenges that persist and stand
in solidarity with those who continue to fight for equality and justice globally. At the same time, we remain committed to focusing on our local community, providing support and creating safe spaces for all.
As we come together to reconnect and reaffirm our bonds of kinship, let us rediscover the power within ourselves. Let us embrace our unique experiences, drawing strength from the diversity of our stories and the beauty of our identities. In doing so, we not only honor our past but also pave the way for a future defined by inclusivity and acceptance.
We are also proud to support organizations with a broader scope, working
IVPS board members from left to right: Alan Daly, Aidan Bancroft, Chris Kennedy, Mason Wong, and Sareeta Lopez. Not pictured are Dylan Robinson, Leeann Tolentino, and Sonia Zebadua. Bryce Maloney with Iksplor Digital (@ iksplordigital) photo
tirelessly to make a difference on both local and global levels. Our commitment to collaboration and solidarity ensures that we are part of a larger movement advocating for the rights and dignity of all 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals.
Canada Pride 2024 is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. On behalf of the entire board and staff of the Vancouver Pride Society, Let us come together to celebrate our identities, honor our histories, and look towards an infinite horizon filled with hope, progress, and endless possibilities. ●
Yours in solidarity,
The Vancouver Pride Society Board of Directors
Infinite Horizons
Infinite Horizons symbolizes a call to look beyond the horizon and embrace the limitless potential of Canada's diverse and vibrant 2SLGBTQAI+ community.
Infinite Horizons is more than just a phrase; it's a beacon guiding us toward a future where inclusivity, acceptance, and celebration reign supreme. This theme encourages us to adopt a forward-looking perspective, celebrating the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for all members of our community. At its core, this theme challenges societal norms, urging us to embrace authenticity in a world where the identities of queer individuals are under siege daily.
At the heart of Infinite Horizons is the recognition of the resilience and strength of our 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Our connection to this theme embodies Vancouver Pride's steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment within our community; and it’s about carving out spaces where everyone feels valued and celebrated.
But the journey toward Infinite Horizons isn't just about looking forward; it's also about honouring the diverse experiences and identities within our community. That's why this year's theme also embraces the fluidity and diversity of gender identities, challenging traditional binaries, and celebrating authenticity. ●
CANADA PRIDE FESTIVAL 2024
604-775-5707
Accessibility at Vancouver Pride Society
The Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) has embarked on continuing to update and improve accessibility initiatives following feedback from the 2019 accessibility consultations provided by Live Educate Transform Society (LETS) and the Parade and Festival move in 2023. A significant insight from these consultations was that “the most accessible thing we could do for our festival, would be to move away from Sunset Beach.” This report outlines the efforts and changes implemented by VPS to enhance accessibility for Vancouver Pride events.
Commitment to Accessibility
VPS acknowledges the importance of accessibility as we listen to our community, recognizing that VPS has previously neglected this crucial aspect. The pandemic and city infrastructure changes made the festival even less accessible, necessitating significant improvements. Our goal is to rebuild relationships with neglected communities by prioritizing accessibility, thereby fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for all participants.
Initiatives and Improvements
CONTINUED EFFORTS AND IMPLEMENTATIONS
• Route and Site Changes: Following feedback from the 2018 audit and community consultations, 2024 Parade and VanPrideFest will return to the our new parade route and festival site, ensuring flat and paved surfaces.
• Signage and Wayfinding: Enhanced signage and wayfinding aids have been implemented for easier navigation. Select signage available in French.
• Accessible Viewing Zones: All stages at VanPrideFest feature accessible viewing zones with seating. There will be Accessible Viewing Zones along the Parade route.
• Increased Water Access: More water stations have been added for attendees.
• Vendor Placement: Vendors are now located on paved areas instead of grass to improve accessibility.
• Priority Access: There is a priority accessible entrance for VanPrideFest along Pacific Blvd at Carrall St.
• Website Accessibility: The VPS website continues to include the Userway plugin for improved accessibility features.
• Hybrid Working Model: A hybrid working model for staff with flexible hours has been adopted, including investments in equipment for hybrid meetings.
• Accessibility Maps and Guides: Detailed maps and guides highlighting accessibility features at the festival are available.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
• Accessibility Coordinator: VPS has appointed an accessibility coordinator with lived experience to develop and implement accessibility measures
• Training Initiatives: Staff undergo training with Live, Educate, Transform Society, Good Night Out Vancouver, more robust anti-oppression and training and workshops.
FESTIVAL AND PARADE FEATURES
• Surface Improvements: Ensuring flat and paved surfaces throughout the festival and parade routes.
• Scent Reduced Policy: A scent-reduced policy is in place to accommodate those with sensitivities.
• Dietary Accommodations: A variety of food options are available to cater to diverse dietary restrictions.
• Public Transportation: Easy access to festival sites via Translink.
• ASL Interpretation: ASL interpreters are present on all stages.
• Accessible Facilities: Availability of accessible bathrooms and seating options.
Vancouver Pride Society is dedicated to improving accessibility and ensuring that all community members can enjoy the festival. By implementing comprehensive changes and continuously seeking feedback, VPS aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. For more information about accessibility features throughout our events, please see page 14. Updated accessibility information can be found at vancouverpride. ca/accessibility. ●
Nic Spurling photo
Accessible Pride!
Find current and updated information at vancouverpride.ca/accessibility. Contact our Accessibility Coordinator with any questions at accessibility@vancouverpride.ca.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge
Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 4
1207 Bute St. (Davie and Bute)
See event listings from page 22
• ASL Interpretation at most events
• Umbrellas and trees provide shaded seating
• Designated tables distanced from the bar and speakers
• Earplugs available by request
• Stim toys available at the check-in table by request
• Masks available at the check-in table by request
• Flat paved surface with 4 ft aisle
Granville Island Lounge
Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4
Ocean Artworks Pavilion
See event listings from page 22
• ASL Interpretation at most events
• Umbrellas and trees provide shaded seating
• Designated tables distanced from the bar and speakers
• Earplugs available by request
• Stim toys available at the check-in table by request
• Masks available at the check-in table by request
• Flat paved surface with 4 ft aisle
VanPrideFest
Saturday, August 3 to Sunday, August 4
Concord Pacific Place
See page 26
• The majority of the event is on a flat, paved surface. Areas on grass have access ramps and/or temporary flooring for mobility devices.
• Various seating options with shade are available throughout the site.
• Wayfinding signage displayed throughout the site.
ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS
VanPrideFest features accessible viewing areas at the Main Stage and Creekside Stage. The Main Stage includes a raised platform with ramp access and view of the stage. The Creekside Stage is situated on the grass. Both spaces offer the following:
• Shade tents
• Mixed seating
• Accessible portapotty
• ASL Interpretation
• Stim Toys
• Masks available upon request
LOW SENSORY ZONES
Presented in collaboration with LETS (Live Educate Transform Society) and CAN (Canucks Autism Network). Dedicated low sensory zone in Zone 2 of Van Pride Fest (Map page 33) on a raised grassy area. Stim toys available.
WASHROOMS
Gender neutral portable washrooms available throughout the site. The unit door width is 31.7” (830mm) and the seat height is 19’ (521 mm). Accessible seating areas have dedicated accessible portapotties.
Vancouver Pride Parade
Sunday, August 4
Pacific Blvd.
Page 28
ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS
There are four accessible viewing zones along the Parade route (see Map page 32).
Masks Mandatory Viewing Zone:
• Shade tents
• Mixed seating
• Situated close to First Aid
• Masks required
ASL Accessible Viewing Zone
• ASL interpretation of Pride Parade host by ASL Inc.
• Accessible portapotty
VocalEye Accessible Viewing Zone
• VocalEYE Audio Live Description of Parade
• Accessible portapotty
Seniors Accessible Viewing Zone
• Access to accessible washroom facilities at Roundhouse Community Centre
MOBILITY
Accessible viewing zones are situated on wide, flat, paved areas. The majority of the sidewalks along the Parade route are wide enough to accommodate multiple rows of people and mobility devices, particularly around the Yaletown district. Some sidewalks are cracked.
LOW SENSORY ZONE
Low sensory space available inside Roundhouse Community Centre in Room B on ground floor. Water fountains, air conditioning, and toilet facilities. ●
Puppy love in the parade accessible viewing zone!
Happy Pride y remier Eb p
Pam Alexis Abbotsford-Mission
Brenda Bailey Vancouver-False Creek
Harry Bains Surrey-Newton Surrey-Guildford
Garry Begg
Jagrup Brar Surrey-Fleetwood
Spencer Chandra Herbert Vancouver-West End
Burnaby-Lougheed
Katrina Chen
Susie Chant North Vancouver-Seymour
Burnaby-Edmonds
Raj Chouhan George Chow Vancouver-Fraserview
Bob D’Eith Maple Ridge Vancouver-Kingsway
Adrian Dix
Port Coquitlam
Mike Farnworth Victoria-Swan Lake
Rob Fleming
George Heyman Vancouver-Fairview
Kelly Greene Richmond-Steveston
Ravi Kahlon Delta North Burnaby-Deer Lake
Anne Kang
Bowinn Ma North Vancouver-Lonsdale
Ronna-Rae Leonard Courtenay-Comox Nanaimo
Sheila Malcolmson Kelli Paddon Chilliwack-Kent
Lana Popham Saanich South
Bruce Ralston Surrey-Whalley
Murray Rankin Oak Bay-Gordon Head
Niki Sharma Vancouver-Hastings Burnaby North
Janet Routledge
Harwinder Sandhu Vernon-Monashee
Jinny Sims Surrey-Panorama
Aman Singh Richmond-Queensborough Rachna Surrey-GreenSingh Timbers
Mike Starchuk Surrey-Cloverdale
Grace Lore Victoria-Beacon Hil Nanaimo-North Cowichan
Doug Routley
Roly Russell Boundary-Similkameen
New Westminster Jennifer Whiteside
Henry Yao Richmond South Centre
Lisa Beare Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows
Mitzi Dean Esquimalt-Metchosin
Ravi Parmar Langford-Juan de Fuca
Harm Reduction
From sun protection to safer substance use, Harm Reduction is all of our responsibility. Make a plan, watch out for one another, and check out community resources!
ME
PACK AND PLAN:
✔ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, hand fan
✔ High fidelity ear plugs
✔ Snacks, electrolytes, water bottle
✔ Dental dams, condoms, gloves, lube
✔ Trip home planned before party time
✔ Bus, cab, or rideshare fare (even if you had a planned designated driver)
✔ Cut straws, spoons, glass pipes, or needles—bring extra for friends but don’t swap supplies
✔ Mask and hand sanitizer
✔ Narcan
✔ Comfortable shoes or pack flats
✔ Substance use planned
✔ Substances obtained and tested
DID
YOU KNOW Heat related illnesses are the most common issue treated by first aid at Pride events
PRIDE SOCIETY
Find Good Night Out roaming VanPrideFest and Granville Island Lounge evening programming.
HAVE A SAFE PRIDE! WE
Don’t use alone, buddy up. Start low, and go slow.
Consent is for more than just sex! Hugs, handjobs, and everything between and beyond needs a consent check.
Check in with your friends to make sure they are playing safe and feeling comfortable
Make sure your friends have a safe way home—especially if they changed their plans near the end of the night. Get contact details and ask for a check-in if they are going home with a new cutie.
See someone looking uncomfortable, unsafe, or unwell? Check in with them and see if they need help.
Visit towardtheheart.com to learn how to respond to an overdose, where you can pick up free narcan, and where to receive narcan training.
Drug testing at at Jim Deva Plaza and The Birdhouse by Health Initiative for Men, check our website and social media for date sand times.
Safe drug usage kits provided by Health Initiative for Men at HiM’s booth at VanPrideFest and VPS info booth at Davie Lounge and VanPrideFest.
Overdose Prevention Society Booth at VanPrideFest August 4.
MPOX vaccination at Health Initiative for Men booth at VanPrideBest August 4.
HIV self-testing kits available at Community Based Research
Center’s and HIM's booths at VanPrideFest August 4.
Water refill stations throughout VanPrideFest. See Map page 33.
Shade tents are throughout the festival site for attendee comfort. The new parade route includes more areas with shade coverage. See Map page 32.
Low Sensory Zones provided by Canucks Autism Network (August 3) and Live Educate Transform Society (August 3 and 4) at VanPrideFest. See Map page 33.
Ski Patrol First Aid and Odyssey Medical on site at VanPrideFest, and along Parade route. See Parade Route Map page 32.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Plan your drug use and gather what you need while sober to avoid risky impulse decisions later. Drop a small sample off with getyourdrugstested.com (880 E Hastings St.) daily, 12-8 pm, or HIM (1033 Davie St.). Plan ahead! You may not get same day results if you arrive near closing. Check drug interactions at combo.tripsit.me
Learn about party drugs at checkhimout.com/highlife
Get checked for STIs without visiting a doctor at getcheckedonline.com
Visit a safe injection site with VanCity Overdose Prevention Society at 390 Columbia Street, 7 days a week 8am-10pm and 2-7am.
Van Vogue Jam: Posh Ball 2024
Celebrating the evolution of Ballroom in Vancouver
Since 2017, Van Vogue Jam (VVJ), under the visionary leadership of Posh Gvasalia Basquiat (aka Ralph Escamillan), has crafted an inclusive and dynamic community in Vancouver. Through free and donation-based events, both in-person and online, VVJ has built a lively community and elevated Ballroom culture in the city.
Right from the start, VVJ has teamed up with Ballroom community members from all over the world to offer enriching and educational experiences through our platform. This initiative has significantly boosted Ballroom knowledge in the city. Thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS), we were able to host two online pandemic Balls in 2020 and 2021. With support from the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), we organized two in-person Balls: one in 2022 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and another in 2023 at the D6 Lounge. We've worked hard to highlight the importance of funding Balls, comparing them to other culturally significant artistic events like dance or music festivals. Although it was tough at first, we're thrilled to see the shift in funding models to support communities like ours. This change is exactly what we’ve been aiming for.
This year is huge for both VVJ and VPS as we are part of the first-ever Canada Pride in Vancouver! This event will put a spotlight on the city, featuring the first-ever Mainstream Ball on the West Coast of Canada to celebrate this year’s Pride festivities. The POSH BALL 2024 promises an unforgettable night of international Ballroom excellence, featuring the Legendary MikeQ on the decks, Iconic Overall Father Dashaun Basquiat on the mic, and a special performance by the world’s most fabulous Beyoncé impersonator, Iconic Overall Mother Miss Shalae Basquiat!
LEFT: Founding Mother Legendary Myles Telfar. ABOVE: Pandora Andromeda 007 walks in the Body category. TOP RIGHT: Gatito Gvasalia walks in the Old Way category. BOTTOM RIGHT: Red Juicy Couture 007 and Mother Luxury Siriano Balenciaga in the Face category. Simone Chnarakis photos
Our Vancouver scene started as a Kiki Scene, which has its roots in community youth groups in NYC. This scene provided a safe space for underage kids to practice Ballroom. The Kiki Scene is a great training ground for new Ballroom participants, offering a supportive environment to hone their skills and, hopefully, move on to a Mainstream House in the future. While not necessary for advancing to the Mainstream, the Kiki Scene helps build stronger bonds and support systems, which are the true heart of Ballroom.
Mainstream Ballroom is for the "big leagues," standing out from the Kiki Scene with bigger cash prizes, flashier looks, and a serious commitment to walking. In the Kiki Scene, a safety pin on a garment might be overlooked, but in Mainstream, every detail is meticulously
checked, demanding a flawless look.
Adding to this year's excitement is the introduction of the Vancouver Kiki Ballroom Alliance (VKBA) and the first VKBA Awards Ball on July 28th, 2024. Alliances are set up in regional Ballroom scenes (both Kiki and Mainstream) by scene leaders and parents to organize the community, resolve disputes, and celebrate members through the Annual Of The Year Awards system. The VKBA has consulted with other Ballroom Alliances to align our values with the broader scene, enhancing accountability and strengthening our local community.
Join us in celebrating this exciting evolution of Ballroom in Vancouver at the POSH BALL 2024, where tradition meets innovation in a dazzling display of culture and artistry. ●
POSH BALL 2024 BE OUR GUEST
Supported by:
Saturday, July 27,
Doors 5pm • LSS 6pm • End by 12am Sheraton Wall Center, 1000 Burrard St Presented by Posh Basquiat @ralphescamillan with support by Van Vogue Jam Arts Society and Vancouver Pride Society
Be our guest, be our guest, put our serving to the test! A step up from our regular Kiki programming in the city, this will be Vancouver’s first ever Mainstream function—which means bigger cash prizes, more dramatic moments and only the best of Ballroom on the floor. Make your reservations today, because you’ll definitely want a seat for this fabulous feast for the eyes, and don’t forget to tip your servers!
Featuring DJ and commentator
The Legendary MikeQ (@theonlymikeq) and Iconic Overall Father Dashaun Basquiat (@dashaunwesley)
Special performance by Iconic Overall Mother Miss Shalae Basquiat (@miss_shalae)
• OTA Runway (BQ European, FF European, American)—$1000
• Commentator vs. Commentator
• OTA Body (MF, FF, GNC)
• Hands Performance
• New Face
• OTA Face (BQ, TRANSMAN, FQ, WOMEN, GNC)
• Beginner Runway
• Beginner Performance
• Pop, Dip and Spin
• OTA Realness (MF, FF)
• OTA Best Dressed (MF, FF)
• OTA Sex Siren (MF, FF, GNC)
• Bizarre
QUESTIONS?
Please contact VVJ for more information at info@vanvoguejam.com
2024 CANADA PRIDE EVENT SCHEDULE
It is the biggest Pride season our city has ever seen!
Canada Pride 2024 will feature your favourite Vancouver Pride events like VanPrideFest and the Vancouver Pride Parade, along with a brand new Queer Rights Summit and some other exciting additions to our programming.
For tickets and more information: vancouverpride.ca/events
CANADA PRIDE OPENING CEREMONY
Friday, July 26, 4 to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie St Lounge, 1207 Bute St.
Kick off Canada Pride 2024 in the heart of our beloved Davie village!
Hosted by the legendary Jaylene Tyme— expect an array of mesmerizing performances from specular drag artists and an evening show from Virago Nation, remarks from local community, and interactions that honour the unique contributions of Indigiqueer and 2Spirit peoples. Come together to honour the past, embrace the present, and pave the way for a future of equity and action. Let's set the stage for a remarkable Canada Pride!
AFROQUEER HOMEGROWN
Friday, July 26, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Birdhouse, 44 West 4th Ave.
Celebrate Black Queer culture at HOMEGROWN, an event for self-identifying queer Afrodiaspora presented by Afroqueer YVR at The Birdhouse! Enjoy the sounds of Afrobeats, Dancehall, Hip Hop, and more as we come together to revel in the beauty of our culture.
WHISKEYJACKS' WET & WILD POP DISCO + DISCO FAIRIES
Saturday, July 27, 3 to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St. Dive into Pride week with the 2SLGBTQAI+ water polo team as we make waves at our Pop Disco! Our players will be dancing in swimsuits and we encourage you to wear your own swim or beachwear, though we fully support you wearing whatever makes you feel fabulous!
Expect pop anthems, with DJ sets guaranteed to make a splash on the dance floor. As you sip on refreshing cocktails and mingle with fellow partygoers, you'll be surrounded by the warmth and acceptance of a community that knows how to make a splash.
Keep the party going after with a fierce lineup of DJs and gogos by Disco Fairies.
2024 POSH BALL
Saturday, July 27, 5 p.m.
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1000 Burrard St.
Be our guest, be our guest, put our SERVING to the test! A step up from our regular Kiki programming in the city, this will be Vancouver’s first-ever Mainstream function—which means bigger cash prizes, more dramatic moments and only the best of Ballroom on the floor.
This year’s POSH BALL features a
star-studded night featuring international Ballroom excellence: The Legendary MikeQ on the decks, Iconic Overall Father Dashaun Basuquiat on the mic, and an extra special performance by the truly most fabulous Beyonce impersonator of the world Iconic Overall Mother Miss Shalae Basquiat!
Supported by Lululemon and Air Canada
PIQUE-NIQUE FRENCH-KISS!
Sunday, July 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St.
Un pique-nique drag complètement en français sur la côte ouest? Sans blague! Au Pique-nique french kiss, nous faisons appel à toustes les francophones de la région du grand Vancouver pour nous retrouver au Davie St Lounge afin de manger votre bonne bouffe déjeuner et rire avec Siri Sinatra et son lineup pour une expérience de fierté inoubliable! Les personnes
@theninjor17 photo
Dermal Laser, par tner of Dermapure, has been providing skin care for over 25 years, leading the industr y as the 2008-2024 winners of the Consumer Choice award for Business Excellence.
de 19 ans et + qui veulent acheter de l'alcool sont requis de montrer deux pièces d'identité à la porte.
A drag picnic completely in French on the west coast? No kidding! At the French Kiss Picnic, we are calling all francophones and French-speakers to the Bubly Davie St Lounge to eat good food and laugh with Siri Sinatra and her lineup for an unforgettable pride event! Attendees 19+ that want bar service are required to show 2 pieces of ID at the door.
JUNTOS
Sunday, July 28, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St. Ready para la fiesta? Vancouver Pride is bringing the heat for the inauguration of 'Juntos': A Queer Latinx Celebration. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Latinx Queer talent and get ready to move because Toronto's own DJ LITNEY WORLDWIDE is bringing the house down with beats that'll have you dancing all night long, blending dancehall, dembow, and baile funk.
But that's not all—kick off the festivities with Queer Salsa Lessons from Salseo and groove your way through a lineup of local Latinx DJ performances, food vendors and more!
PRIDE PROCLAMATION AND FLAG RAISING CEREMONY
Monday, July 29, 12 to 12:30 p.m.
City Hall, Livestream to VPS Facebook Witness the annual reading of the Pride Proclamation from the City of Vancouver, a welcome from our Host Nations, and the introduction of this year’s Grand Marshals!
LEARNING SERIES & QUEER HISTORY PANEL
Monday, July 29, 2 to 3 p.m. Online (YouTube)
Vancouver Pride Society’s Annual Time-Capsule and oral history project come together with 5 speakers from the local Queer Community. Highlighting community members and their work in advocacy, as well as telling stories of intersections that have gone overlooked.
JAZZ HANDS IN THE AIR: A CELEBRATION OF PRIDE, JAZZ, AND COMMUNITY
Thursday, August 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St.
The West End Seniors Network is taking over the Bubly Davie St Lounge to celebrate our community, Canada Pride 2024, and party like it’s 1920! Enjoy live music, dance, and celebrate love and good times.
QUEER RIGHTS SUMMIT
Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 3
Vancouver Pride takes a historic step with its inaugural Queer Rights Summit, addressing the urgent challenges confronting the Queer community, here in Canada and globally.
This is a staple of the Canada Pride celebration, where leading voices of our community will share their knowledge and open the floor for attendees to exchange ideas. In these critical times, this conference holds heightened significance, providing a platform for essential discussions and advocacy.
Supported by TD, Downtown Business Improvement Association, University Canada West, WestJet and Dentons
JUICY GEMS
Thursday, August 1, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St.
Start your Thursday night at the Davie St Lounge with Vancouver's hottest fat and plus-sized drag superstars, burlesque
dreamboats and gogo babes, Juicy Gems will quench your desires, and leave you thirsty for more.
HOUSE OF LOLA
Thursday, August 1, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St.
Get ready to be enthralled with a spectacular show showcasing Vancouver’s top-tier talent. We have a stacked lineup of Madam Lola, Addi Pose, Hazel, Pm and Alma B with beats by Luca Fernandez. This isn’t your regular drag show, this is a spectacle of burlesque, stunts, and storytelling. Come be a part of the house for one night and one night only!
ONE NIGHT STAND-UP
Thursday, August 1, 6 to 9 p.m.
Granville Island Lounge, 1531 Johnston St.
Comedy Here Often? returns for our third summer Pride festival with a hilarious variety show featuring the funniest queers in town! We sell out every summer, so please hurry to secure tickets with your friends!
TRANTASIA
Friday, August 2, 5 to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St. Trantasia is a celebration of the beauty, talent and effortless star power that make trans women and femmes special! This Friday night event will showcase drag, comedy and fashion by highlighting trans women from coast to coast. As a community often relegated to mistreatment and violence, now more than ever we must come together and support the DOLLS!
Nic Spurling photo
SUNDAY AUGUST 4
PNE CENTRE GROUNDS
FRUIT FORWARD QUEER WINE SOCIAL
Friday, August 2, 5 to 9 p.m
Granville Island Lounge, 1531 Johnston Street
Queer wine lovers look no further! Fruit Forward is here.
Come hang out, play games, dance to some tunes and of course, sip on a fantastic selection of natural wine.
HOTLACH PRIDE
Friday, August 2, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Granville Island Lounge, 1531 Johnston St.
HOTLATCH PRIDE is bringing together the hottest queer Indigenous artists for an open-air dance party. Join DJ KOTA, DJ PAISLEY EVA, and DJ SALISH SIRIANO sharing the bill and the best in Indigenous excellence with INDIGENOUS drag performers from Canada's Drag Race! The beats will be playing, and the dance floor will bounce from start to finish..
TERRY WALLACE MEMORIAL BREAKFAST
Saturday, August 3, 8 a.m.
Bubly Davie St Lounge, 1027 Bute St. During times of financial uncertainty, Terry Wallace funded and sustained the Pride Parade through Castle Pub's 50/50 and pull-tab machines. Enjoy a pancake break-
fast by donation at Bubly Davie St. Lounge and commemorate one of our society's founders. This event is made possible with support from Your Independent Grocer on Davie Street, who will be cooking up a fabulous breakfast.
VANPRIDEFEST
August 3 & 4, 12 to 7 p.m.
Concord Pacific Place & Creekside Park VanPrideFest returns to Concord Pacific Place on August 3 and 4 for a free two-day extravaganza!
Saturday's lineup will bring top-tier drag talent to the TD Main Stage, featuring performances from Canada’s Drag Race Season 4 Winner, VENUS, Canada’s Drag Race Season 3 Winner, Giséle Lullaby, Canada’s Drag Race Season 2 Winner, Icesis Couture, as well as Canada’s Drag Race alumni Aurora Matrix, The Girlfriend Experience, Kendall Gender, Melinda Verga, and Synthia Kiss!
Sunday will spotlight the incredible musical talents of Canadian artists Rêve,LU KALA, Witch Prophet and more!
With two stages open for the entire weekend, guests can expect non-stop entertainment and excitement from noon to 7 pm on both days featuring the aforementioned acts, as well as some of the most talented local performers and DJs Vancouver has to offer.
With support from TD and Concord Pacific
BABES ON BABES STREET PARTY
Saturday, August 3, 3 to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie St Lounge, 1207 Bute St.
Get ready to party in true Babes fashion at the Babes On Babes Pride Street Party, hosted at the Bubly Davie St Lounge! Babes On Babes is a Queer event and dance party based in “Vancouver”. As a collective of artists, DJs, and event producers, Babes On Babes is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating local and international Queer talent.
Join us for an electrifying night featuring live music from the bands LOLA and HYENAS and incredible DJ sets from LIONESSA, DJ KOTA, LADYLUCKI, KG FRESH, SKYLAR LOVE, and BLZBO. It gets even hotter with performances by NATASHA GORRIE, HELEN DANG, COCO, and SOPHIAA SOSA.
SWEET SOUL SATURDAY: HOT FRUIT FIGURE DRAWING & SOUL STORIES
Saturday, August 3, 4 to 9 p.m.
Granville Island Lounge, 1531 Johnston St.
Join Hot Fruit Figure Drawing for a special pride edition! We'll have two models for this session. Poses will range from 2-5 minutes to warm up, and extend towards 20 minute poses. Bring your favourite drawing supplies! We'll have a limited amount to share on hand in case you don't have any or are trying figure drawing for the first time. No prior experience necessary!
Inspired by fanny’s poem, ‘Pride is Still a Protest’, fanny and her friends invite the community for an afternoon of artivism, queer joy, liberation and poetry! Community will bear witness to the container that can be created through collective moments of visioning vulnerability and finding our strength in our softest parts. to share Even though fanny & friends is all about collaboration over competition, it’s summa so we gotta SLAM!
Lung Liu photo
ACACIA AND BATTY'S BLACK PARADE
Saturday, August 3, 7 to 10 p.m.
Celebrities Nightclub, 1022 Davie St.
Celebrate Black excellence this summer at Black Parade 2024! With fierce drag performances that break barriers and sultry burlesque acts embracing self-expression and empowerment, this showcase of Black Pride and artistry will leave you stunned.
This event isn't your regular drag show; it's a night of powerful celebration of identity, black culture, and community that will leave a lasting mark on your heart and soul.
Join us at Celebrities Nightclub for a night hosted by your fabulous favourites, Acacia Gray and Batty Banks!
GATEO
Saturday, August 3, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Granville Island Lounge 1531 Johnston St.
♥ Gatitas we have a date on Saturday August 3rd! ♥
This Pride, we want to see all the Latinx Femmes and Enbys joining us for an openair block party at Gateo Pride Stage on Granville Island to celebrate our queerness! For this edition, we are thrilled to welcome Bronx-based, Dominicana DJ Ultraviolet from House of Yes NYC! Gatitxs, vamos a shake ass to the sexiest beats from Latin America and The Caribbean, guaranteed! Meoww
We're grateful to host this event on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We honour the generations of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals who paved and are still paving the way for our celebration today, especially during these catastrophic times.
2024 PRIDE PARADE
Sunday, August 4, 12 p.m.
Davie x Denman
Join the Vancouver Pride Society for the highlight of Canada Pride 2024—the Vancouver Pride Parade! Celebrate Pride on August 4th with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, queer-serving organizations, and allies as we gather at Davie and Denman. The parade will end at Concord Pacific Place leading everyone right into the last day of VanPrideFest.
March with us, cheer from the sidelines, or bask in the joyous atmosphere as the parade winds through the heart of Vancouver with vibrant floats, parade groups, and more!
GAYMERS
Sunday, August 4, 1 to 7 p.m.
Granville Island Lounge
1531 Johnston St.
Join us for a day of gaming and geek culture at the Vancouver Gaymers Summer Pride event, in collaboration with the Vancouver Pride Society!
Vancouver Gaymers, the largest Queer and Trans focused gaming group in Vancouver,
brings together hundreds of members who share a love for gaming and geek culture. This event will be a chance to make new friends, whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there's something for everyone.
Come and connect with fellow gamers, and make new friends.
THE NEXT GENERATION: DRAG TAKEOVER
Sunday, August 4, 3 to 10 p.m.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge, 1027 Bute St.
Step into the vibrant world of drag where a fresh gust of creativity and talent sweeps across the Pride stage, heralding the arrival of the newest wave of drag artists!
Join this year's VNDS 2024 winner, Androgynass, and this year's VNDS 2024 loser, Atondra, as they host a dazzling spectacle showcasing the rising stars of the drag scene. These talented performers are set to take center stage, ready to captivate and enthrall with their unique flair and unapologetic expression.
Be prepared to witness a kaleidoscope of identities and styles, as these trailblazing artists redefine the boundaries of drag, pushing the art form to thrilling new heights. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exhilarating showcase celebrating diversity, creativity, and the unstoppable spirit of Pride!
LAST DANCE: 2024 CANADA PRIDE CLOSING PARTY
Sunday, August 4, 8 p.m.
Granville Island Lounge, 1531 Johnston St.
Come join us for our LAST DANCE on Granville Island as we close out our biggest Pride celebration yet.
As the sun dips below the horizon, marking the close of a weekend filled with festivities, join us beneath the stars for a sensational finale. Supported by Granville Island. ●
Nic Spurling photo
Infinite Horizons
by Chase Gray
On May 10th, Vancouver was gifted with the dancing northern lights in the sky, ribbons of pinks, greens and purples stretched to the south, and people from all over the country connected through the event over social media over the next few days. The spectrum of colours that the Aurora gives off are some of the most gorgeous to work with, and using the recent feelings of excitement from having seen the northern lights for the first time inspired most of this image. A night of the Aurora truly brings together each person who looks up, everybody experiencing the same, and yet, different horizons. The mountains and pride flags stretching infinitely are representative of that concept of ‘infinite horizons’ from my perspective.
The aurora itself is shaped as ancestral beings, a raven and killer whale. Raven is seen as a trickster and transformer,
playful and curious. Many 2SIQ (two-spirit Indigiqueer) folks identify with the Raven, and this imagery is to honour our 2SIQ ancestors who have passed on, many of whom are responsible for paving the way to a more inclusive society. The killer whale transformation is representing the natural world—the native plants and animals, our waters and ecosystem. It is a wonderful sight to see when our resident pods of whales make themselves known in False Creek or Burrard Inlet and English Bay. They are a reminder to all that we must respect these lands and waters, and each creature who calls this territory Home.
The design itself is a contemporary spindle whorl, which takes inspiration from old belongings of ancestors that were used to spin wool for textiles. Because spindle whorls were designed and carved to be spun, the design can
be viewed and comprehended from any angle. ●
CHASE GRAY (he/him) is a 2-spirit Musqueam and Tsimshian artist living in their traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territory, also known as Vancouver, B.C. Growing up, he was always surrounded by culture and art, particularly Tsimshian dance and Formline design. Through time, learning, and understanding, Chase has developed a separate Coast Salish design style, which he now uses to represent xʷməθkʷəy̓əm art within xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territory. Much of Chase’s art features bright colours, nostalgia, and queer representation as recurring themes, as he hopes to spread the joy of each community he is a part of.
LGBTQ2IA+ joy starts with safe spaces. That’s why lululemon has committed more than $4 million USD to The Trevor Project and Rainbow Railroad since 2021.
EVENT MAPS Vancouver Pride Parade
Sunday, August 4 • 12pm-3pm
Parade hosts
Location 1 – Beach & Burnaby @ Cactus Club
Location 2 – Pacific & Howe @ Fresh St. Market
Location 3 – Pacific @ BC Place
Accessible viewing
Bubly Davie Street Lounge
Davie and Bute (1207 Bute St.)
Roundhouse Community Centre (Pacific Blvd) – Vocal Eye, masks mandatory and seniors viewing zones
parade services provided by I Yaletown Community Viewing Station
BC Place – ASL, Pride Pit Stop parade viewing More info on page 14
Parade
Granville Island Lounge
Ocean Artworks Pavilion (1531 Johnston St.)
See event listings from page 22.
Accessible Toilets
Volunteer/Info Station
First Aid
Parade Refuge Area
Host Station
Accessible Viewing Zone
VanPrideFest
Concord Pacific Place & Creekside Park
Saturday, August 3
&
Sunday, August 4 • 12pm-7pm
VanPrideFest returns to Concord Pacific Place on August 3 and 4 for a free two-day extravaganza! Saturday's lineup will bring top-tier drag talent to the TD Main Stage, featuring performances from Canada’s Drag Race Season 4 Winner VENUS, Canada’s Drag Race Season 3 Winner Giséle Lullaby, Canada’s Drag Race Season 2 Winner Icesis Couture, as well as Canada’s Drag Race alumni Aurora Matrix, The Girlfriend Experience, Kendall Gender, Melinda Verga, and Synthia Kiss!
Sunday will spotlight the incredible musical talents of Canadian artists Rêve, LU KALA and Witch Prophet and more! With two stages open for the entire weekend, guests can expect non-stop entertainmentand excitement from noon to 7pm on both days featuring the aforementioned acts, as well as some of the most talented local performers and DJs Vancouver has to offer.
CELEBRATING PRIDE 2024!
CUPE is a proud advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ rights and to fight against discrimination and hate in our workplaces and in our communities.
PRESIDENT
Karen Ranalletta
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Trevor Davies
Generation Gaps
by Kathleen Lamothe
“A sure sign that something is seriously missing in a society is a generation gap. If the younger generation does not take pride in becoming like its elders, then the society has lost its own continuum, its own stability, and probably does not have a culture worth calling one, for it will be in a constant state of change from one unsatisfactory set of values to another. If the younger members of the society feel the older ones are ridiculous, or wrong, or boring, they will have no natural path to follow. They will feel lost, demeaned and cheated and will be angry. The elders, too, will feel cheated and resentful at the loss of continuity in the culture and suffer from a sense of purposelessness along with the young.”
Jean Liedloff – The Continuum Concept
Sometimes I feel alone
(Read: Lonely. Abandoned. Bereft.)
And it’s not when I think of the gaggles of 20 year olds, and 30 years olds, and 40 years old in my community. (For I know there’s lots of my peers around)
It’s when I think of my queer and trans elders that I feel so alone
“Where are they all?”
“Where are they hiding?”
The conscious part of my brain has been reflecting on these questions a little quite a lot lately. Especially considering that, at the still relatively young age of 40, there have been a number of 16 & 17 & 20 & 25 year old trans kids who’ve started looking to me as one of their elders.
And yet, as someone who’s lived as an out, transsexual dyke for the last 18 years, I often wonder
“Where are my elders?”
“Where are my role models for aging?”
“You know, the role models that were supposed to teach me how to age with grace.”
“And strength”
“And fierceness”
(“And a whole lot of camp?”)
And when I really think hard on it (which my consciousness doesn’t often consent to)
A shiver goes up my spine.
As the wisdom that typically resides, Deep in the marrow of my bones, Gets dislodged.
(And I get really cold.)
And suddenly, I’m haunted with the reminder that At least half to three quarters of a generation of people who were supposed to be my elders are dead.
Dead of alcoholism. And overdoses. And suicide. And murder.
And, of course, who can forget
(sadly many in our community can)
The HIV/AIDS pandemic of the 80s & 90s that mowed our communities down like weeds.
I often feel as though I’m shouldering a(n almost unbearable) weight of grief
It’s a nebulous, ambiguous, never-will-closure-be-attained form of grief
For names and faces (And voices and personalities)
Haircuts and hip-sways (And runway sashays)
Of people that I and my generation will never.get.to.meet
Additionally, while I’m grieving I’m usually also seething
At the injustice of it all
How many of those trans lady elders
Whose life flame was snuffed out
Does the community not even get to have in death?
All because some bureaucrat at the Vital Statistics office
(Well before their time)
Labelled them (on their Death Certificates)
As men (who likely had sex with men)
Not as women (of trans experience)
And so as a younger queer
Who’s trapped in that liminal space
I constantly remind myself
As I dance the night away
At another queer dance party
Or another queer punk show
Or another pride event
That I And you And we Should also
Be saying prayers And setting intentions And lighting sage
(Between generations)
And kneeling to kiss the ground (Plus an infinite array of other spiritual/ritual practices)
Because this very dance floor
This very pride march Is also a community graveyard. ●
KATHLEEN P. LAMOTHE (she/her) is a white, able-bodied, kinky, femme, transsexual artist/writer living with the simultaneous gift and curse of an ADHD brain. She currently resides on unceded Coast Salish territory (Vancouver). Her writing has appeared in two anthologies: Transcending: Trans Buddhist Voices (North Atlantic, 2019) and Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year: Vol. 5 (Cleis, 2020). She is currently working on her first novel. When she’s not writing she can be found reading 100 books a year, going to 12-step meetings, getting tattooed, and participating in a variety of spiritual practices.
Queerness across borders
Weaving culture and identity as a Mexican immigrant.
by Sheila Arellano
[TW: mention of violence]
Iwas raised off-grid in a small mining town in Guerrero, Mexico. My favourite activities were listening to the rain patter against ceiba trees, wandering in the woods, and hanging out with horses. I made corn tortillas from scratch and picked coffee beans alongside the town elders, never once thinking my existence was wrong.
However, in second grade I attended one of the few catholic schools in town where I was exposed to homophobic ideas about love only being valid between a man and a woman. When my parents became aware of the school’s values, they made me switch schools. I wasn’t raised catholic, yet these homophobic ideas were solidified through cultural values and media, subtle yet persistent. I didn’t give my sexuality much thought until I had my first crush on a girl as a tween. At thirteen, I came out to myself as bisexual and I believed most people would perceive it as “bad.” I still remember writing in my journal: what makes loving women so wrong?
The dissonance between my culture’s values and the burgeoning understanding of my sexuality grew as I censored parts of myself at family events or celebrations. I was a people-pleaser, so I didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable by coming out. This meant the situations that once made me feel safe now alienated me, creating a strange divide between my cultural and personal identities. This conflict was just beginning.
One autumn morning in tenth grade, my mom and stepdad drove me to school
when a car cut us off in traffic, forcing us to grind to a halt—horror gripped my chest as we watched men with rifles exit out of the vehicle blocking our exit. They barged into our car and took us hostage.
For three days, I feared for my life and the lives of my family. When my grandfather paid the ransom, we were lucky enough to be released. This harrowing incident forced us to immigrate to Canada within three months. No longer feeling safe in Mexico, we packed up our lives, said goodbye to our home and moved to Vancouver on Christmas Day of 2012.
Abruptly, I had to learn a new language, understand a foreign culture and rediscover my queerness in a different country. After what had happened, anxiety and disassociation took hold of me. I missed my friends, my family, my pets, the food. My near-death experience left me feeling exiled. I wondered what home meant if Mexico was unsafe and Canada felt so unfamiliar. All I wished for was to feel safe.
As I adapted to Canadian culture, labels were given to me: immigrant, woman of colour, survivor… As a 15-year-old, I didn’t know what to do with the uncertainty of who I was, so I used storytelling to process my emotions and understand the world around me. On the page, I discovered parts of myself I didn’t dare explore in real life. I wrote novels inspired by Mexican culture and mythology—stories
about grief, the pursuit of home, chosen family, queerness, and love. When writing, I was free.
I became immersed in stories and began to gently heal. I used other creative outlets as therapy—drawing, filmmaking, photography, pottery—and brought aspects of my culture into these art forms.
Living in Canada also granted me freedom. For the first time, I could wander the streets on my own without fear, which gave me space to relax and process my trauma. Of course, my healing was not linear, and the stress of immigration paperwork was always underlying. It took me years to find the strength to talk about what had happened. But with time and therapy, I learned effective coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, breathwork and the importance of exercise.
After six months, I learned to speak English. I was introduced to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and met queer friends and teachers. Queerness was normalized in my daily life as I attended events like Pride or heard about my friends’ coming out stories. Slowly, an accepting community formed around me. Through these experiences, I recognized that the homophobic ideas that had made me feel “wrong” were not relevant. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community fostered a sense of belonging, making me think that maybe Vancouver could be my home.
iStock / Getty Images Plus / ERNESTO CHI photo
I used other creative outlets as therapy—drawing, filmmaking, photography, pottery—and brought aspects of my culture into these art forms.
As time went on, I realized my neardeath experience gifted me a new perspective—I was grateful for the little things and I grew braver. I thought to myself: I got a second chance at life, so I want to truly live. I gathered my courage and, with shaky hands, I came out to my friends who embraced me with open arms. I was lucky to have supportive and accepting people around me. Eleven years after immigrating to Canada, I’m comfortable as a bisexual woman of colour and have come out to most people in my life.
The journey was complex, but I’m proud to say I’m now at ease. After years of struggling to belong, I’ve finally connected with the people who make this country feel like home; for that, I’m incredibly thankful. And, as of last year, I became a permanent resident of Canada. However, I acknowledge that I’m still a settler. I’m a beneficiary of colonialism and interconnected systems of oppression as I reside on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm,
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ peoples. I strive to understand and fulfill my responsibilities as a settler, and I’m dedicated to respecting, honouring and standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
Today, I celebrate my identity and culture by fostering community and weaving my heritage into my creative endeavours. Whether it’s through participating in festivals, organizing outdoor and artistic events, or writing queer novels inspired by Mexican culture, I find ways to uphold my truth.
Every person’s way of merging their identity and culture is different. It was not easy to find a path amidst the chaos, but I wish for other queer immigrants to know that it can get better. Various resources are available for individuals seeking to fortify their communities. These resources encompass organizations dedicated to fostering inclusivity. Among these are Qmunity, Diversecity, Sher Vancouver, and Rainbow Refugee.
These organizations are pillars of strength and guidance, offering services
from advocacy to cultural support. I hope these resources can help anyone who is navigating similar struggles. ●
SHEILA ARELLANO
(she/her) is a queer, Mexican writer with eight years of professional experience and advanced education in creative writing. She published her debut novel at nineteen and has written three books since. Alongside working full-time, she runs a book coaching business where she helps writers achieve their highest potential. Today, she’s writing a fantasy novel inspired by Mexican culture, which she hopes to publish in 2025. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, dancing, singing and playing D&D.
Evolution
by Lauren Deborah
At age two, when I walk into the reception, I smile because everyone is smiling at me. I am told I am a flirt.
At age five, when I walk into the backyard, I am wearing a long black skirt and carry a broom between my legs. I fly. I want to be a witch and spend all of my time with all the other witches.
At age sixteen, when I walk into the party, I wonder if the boys have noticed my chest has finally shown up. I have been waiting so long, reusing the same balls of tissues so Mum wouldn’t notice we were going through them so quickly. Will they pay me attention now?
At age six, when I walk into the lounge, I am infuriated that two other girls are sitting on either side of Dennis. He is the most popular boy in our class and this is my birthday party.
At age eight, when I walk into the dining room, I wonder why no one is asking me about my journal pages hidden under my pillow. Why aren’t I being interrogated like when they’ve found notes about boys, rage at my sisters, confessions of bad behaviour? Why doesn’t anyone want to talk to me about the dream I had of having a girlfriend?
At age nine, when I walk onto the playground, my friends are there, waiting. They have decided I will have my first kiss with a boy. They have arranged it all. They corner us both by the school hall. I am frightened. I wish my Mum believed me when I faked being sick this morning, and let me stay home.
At age ten, when I walk onto the school bus, I look for my big sister up the back. I want to be just like her. All the boys love her. She is tall, with hips, and a chest, and shiny thick hair, and long lashes. Everyone thinks she is older than she is. I can’t wait until people think that about me.
At age eighteen, when I walk into the nightclub, I try to find him. Sometimes he is there and then I can pretend not to notice him. Sometimes he is there and he is talking to other girls. One time he is there but a girl notices me and I forget all about him.
At age nineteen, when I walk into the pub, I take stock of the women with men. I judge their attractiveness against mine. Comparing.
At age twenty, when I walk to school pick-up, I am greeted by tiny humans running towards me with their arms stretched to greet their aunty. I am told I will make a great mother one day. A familiar feeling regurgitates. It’s not the cluckiness I have heard described. It’s rejection. It’s knowing. I am told I just haven’t met the right person yet.
At age twenty-one, when I walk into the staff party, I see my coworker and her wife holding hands. I can’t stop staring at them.
At age twenty-two, when I walk up to my friends, I clumsily identify myself for the first time. Bisexual friend. No one says anything.
At age twenty-three, when I walk into the bar, jetlagged on my second night living in a foreign country, I line up the pool table. My roommate invites the woman he has been seeing to join us. She and I share cigarettes outside while he watches our bags. She invites me to join her at the queer bar.
At age twenty-five, when I walk onto my shift, I compare myself to other servers and how they have modified the uniform. Is their hair down to flip? Are their lips painted? Are they braving heels? I want to know if the male customers prefer to talk to them or me. Why are they all so pretty?
At age twenty-seven, when I walk out of my office, he smiles at me. It feels good to have what everyone has been waiting for. My family excitedly gossip about our future. It sounds like a sigh of relief. They say how special he must be for me to have waited this long to find someone.
At age twenty-eight, when I crawl into bed every night, I wonder where I disappeared to. I wonder why if this is love, I am scared that this is it? Why something feels like it is missing? Why the thought of forever without that missing thing is terrifying?
At age twenty-nine, when I walk into the bar excitedly single, I order a shot. The regular bartender tells us his girlfriend broke up with him. I freshen my make-up. We spend a few nights together and he asks to cook me dinner. I stop replying to his texts.
At age thirty, when I walk into the two-dimensional room, we look at each other on tiny rectangle windows displaying our names. I see for the first time: she/they. I think about this every day for two years before I confess this feels right for me, too.
At age thirty-one, when I anxiously drag myself to the airport gate, well out of practice, I notice different things than I did in the before times. I see beautiful women with men and I ask myself can they really be happy?
I have excavated. What remains underneath the years of expectations on me gains resilience and refuses to be buried again. I have stopped comparing myself to the saturation. I surround myself with those I want to be like. I eat from an information diet of the things that light me up. I am intentional.
At age thirty-two, when I walk into the cafe, I know why I am there. It’s for coffee. She makes me want a whole life with her.
At age thirty-three, when I walk into a room, I smile because it is quiet in my mind. No comparison. No critique. Serenity.
I might not want what always felt wished upon me. I might want a whole lot more. Or a whole lot less. What I want is mine. It is not static. It is an infinite evolution. ●
LAUREN DEBORAH (she/they) is a writer, comedian, podcaster and artist. They are best known for their weekly digital journal of a chronic oversharer, hilaurendeborah.substack.com. Her podcast about coming out, My Dad Stole My Limelight, lives on Vancouver’s 604 Podcast Network and has been seen live at Vancouver Pride, in iHeart Podcast spotlight features and Elizabeth Bank’s WHOHAHA’s featured podcasts. Lauren spends her time split between travelling the world (housesitting—perfect for the on-a-budget, animal-loving traveller) and sitting in her grandparents’ kitchen while working on their first novel. Photo @skyeoftheportman
Aarm Dental Group
604-647-0006
604-681-8530
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604-629-0386
Queer Changeling
by Alex Masse
I was raised unaware of my wings
Kept away from those with their own Told they were sinners at worst Strangers at best
Surely, their kind couldn't be among us.
But I'm right here
I found the violets in my skin, Sappho's stanzas under my tongue
Soon, my nature became clear
As a queer changeling.
It could be your kid next, y’know
You can do whatever you want
And they'd still be like me
Celebrate the change we bring, Or you won't get to see it.
I’ve found my fae siblings
And we're tired of hiding.
Your rule is dead, and like butterflies alight, As they feed on dead flesh
We will harvest from the system's corpse.
We will rebuild, revive, Remember, redesign, For now I know what I am Who came before Who we're doing all of this for. Everywhere I go, I see the free wings of this family And know all it takes Is a loving embrace
To feel light enough for flight. ●
ALEX MASSE (they/them) a.k.a. Fairything, is a writer, musician, and communications specialist from what is colonially known as Surrey, B.C. Their work has been seen everywhere from the Scholastic Writing Awards to Autostraddle, as well as in collaboration with Penelope Scott, Vancouver Pride, Simon Fraser University, and more. They’re also a neurodivergent nonbinary lesbian, which greatly affects their process.
Skip is proud to partner with 2SLGBTQ+ businesses from coast to coast.
Come and celebrate at our Patio Party and Beer Garden during Vancouver Pride on August 4! FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT BCPLACE.COM
2SLGBTQIA+ students, colleagues, and families: We see you, we love you, and we celebrate you—exactly as you are. A message from the Vancouver Secondary Teachers’ Association
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5-29-2024 11:48 AM PUBLICATION: Magazine
CLIENT: OXIO
JOB NUMBER: EGP_OXI_W48721 AD NUMBER: W48721_PRIDE_PRINT_3x4
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Jason Taylor / RudongZheng from by NEWS / MAG JOB INFO APPROVALS INKS / FONTS / LINKS PROOF 1
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Perspectives
by Alya Van Laer
We always seem to have two perspectives: glass half full and half empty. We seem to think either we must save our planet or that our actions do not matter. I see it as if we were a batter ready to swing or just walk away, throw the game, blow out the flame. The most common argument I’ve heard is "the world is just too big."
Halfway across the world there’s a girl just like me. Who sees the things she wants to change, she wants to rearrange the world for the better but she stopped herself at "my actions do not matter." She saw herself putting all this effort into helping our planet, protesting and investing so much time, to only make it into this rhyme.
There’s me, who naively thinks that some day the things I say may make a difference, knowing that my small action truly doesn’t, but does it anyway.
There’s them, who fumble through life with no sense of purpose, burdened with the weight of the problems around them. Solo they try to figure out what they can do, so they start with a small action and them, the small fraction of people who do something add up. They’re actions blow up and they’ve finally done something. No longer scared of the new world, they glide happily, not-so-scrappily, they’ve done something.
So it’s not even just in saving our planet, millions of strikes and riots around the world are from batters that swung it out of the park. Batters. Plural. Because we as a group need to work together, for the better. Think about Pride, that right there was a riot, they chose to not go out quiet! Together they fought for the rights we cherish today.
ALYA VAN LAER (She/her/elle) is a 16-year-old poet from Kamloops, B.C. She is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community and she runs the GSA Club at her high school. She has been writing poetry since she was 13 and has just started performing. Her favourite subjects to write about are eco-poetics and activism, loss of art and her experiences as a queer youth poet. She has performed at Kamloops Pride 2023 and at a gig for the Kamloops Art Council. She's completely self taught, writes in both English and French, and is currently preparing to compete in the Provincial Festival Of Performing Arts.
And sometimes what we do ignites something,
There’s him, who sits up late at night struggling to find out who he is in the world, who needed some inspiration to stay and he read the story, witnessed the glory of those two girls down south who went to prom together in their catholic school. Their small action gives hope around our world.
There is no reason to even think our world is too big, if we dig deep, with us all we may just make a difference. We can write our own deliverance and fight for our rights, fight for our planet the way we want to plan it to be. Rearrange the world for the better. So all the way across the world, we stand together. ●
fasken.com
Unsplash/Shine_Photos photo
I choose words carelessly
by Luis Motta
LUIS MOTTA (he/him) is a 28-year-old gay and queer Mexican. Luis came to "Canada" five years ago to study and is now working in the TV animation industry. He has been writing poems since he was in high school and has consistently shared his work on Instagram for fun.
I choose words carelessly.
As the infinite resource thoughts have become. What future, what home, is possible for me?
Pump prompts into life’s algorithm via my phone, And through it, widen my brain’s horizons.
Target me with lifestyles I’ve never seen before. “Like” posts about modern love. Show me more! More breathing, living, thriving queer glory, No diverse TV props made for another’s journey. Track our own memory so it’ll become herstory. The ups, the downs, the beginnings, the end. In theory, in order, to form cohesive narratives. In relativity, see how millions of realities bend, Melt together in a rainbow haze of probabilities, Each of us lives in different timelines and abilities. The non-binary student ecstatic to give a dollar, The trans man, his partner and their toddler, The immigrant unlearning his anxiety’s a blocker, The drag queen teaching children about fabrics
A sequined bodysuit can break time and space. Not to get parallel universey, but see time split. The threads of reality splitting before your eyes, Pride revealing a horizon of being on the sunrise. Exposing anyone self aware to renewable energy Resources born in community power: synergy. Finite bodies cannot possibly live through infinity. Through other’s experiences reach an epiphany. A muse of vulnerability and empathy: inspiration. To day by day, shape life like dark matter clay, Drop the phone, be queer, go out and play. ●
2SLGBTQAI+ novels for your pride reading lists QUEER BOOK CLUB
Because reading is, what? Fundamental.
by Juztin Bello
Whether you want to lose yourself in rousing tales of romance and magic, or you hunger for lighthearted slices of life, there’s a queer story out there waiting for you. And while books by and about the 2SLGBTQAI+ community should be celebrated all year, here are ten must-reads for your 2024 Pride season.
THE BLACK FLAMINGO
by Dean Atta
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Poetry, YA Michael “Michalis” Angeli has always grown up with a certain flair and flourish, one that manifested into a journey of self-discovery throughout his adolescence. Being gay and mixed-race, Michael never felt he fit anywhere—until his university years, where he discovered the Drag Society. Through this new venture, Michael's wings begin to spread, and thus, the Black Flamingo is born.
GAY THE PRAY AWAY
by Natalie Naudus
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, YA
Two things cause Valerie Danners to question everything about her Christian upbringing: a queer book she sneaks home, and Riley, a new cute girl in her Bible class. The mixed-race teens seek solace in one another amidst their predominantly white Christian community. Once their forbidden romance is uncovered, their
only choice is to make a choice: run from what they know, or find love somewhere unexplored.
THE LAST SUN
by K.D. Edwards
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism, Romance
The first novel in Edwards’ Tarot Sequence, Rune Saint John is tasked with finding Lady Judgement’s missing son, Addam Saint Nicholas. Together with his companion and bodyguard, Brand, Rune will find more than just the missing Addam, including secrets pertaining to the fallen Sun Court, and the memories Rune would rather leave in the dark.
MOST ARDENTLY
by Gabe Cole Novoa
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, YA
In this queer reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, Oliver Bennett loathes the balls and dresses he’s afforded, and instead seeks joy in sneaking out as the gentleman he knows he is. Following a second introduction to Darcy as Oliver instead of Elizabeth, the two connect in their private moments. What happens when suitors pressure Oliver’s family for his hand, when the hand they want is not Oliver at all?
THE SKIN AND ITS GIRL
by Sarah Cypher
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Palestinian-American Betty Rummani was born with blue skin, something her Aunt Nuha believed to be a representation of the Rummanis’ divine history. When her family’s lore unravels after Betty reads her aunt’s partially translated notebooks, Betty must contend with choosing the woman she loves over her family — a choice that reflects her aunt’s own struggles with her hidden sexuality.
WE COULD BE SO GOOD
by Cat Sebastian
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Set in the 50s, Nick Russo meets Andy Fleming at Brooklyn’s top newspaper company, and frequently saves Andy from his self-inflicted chaos. Andy wants nothing to do with his father’s company, but finds spending time with Nick a remarkable consolation. In the poor political climate for gay men, a relationship seems dangerous and unlikely — yet Nick and Andy can’t help but savour their off-the-record connection.
DEAR WENDY
by Ann Zhao
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, YA Sophie Chi and Joanna “Jo” Ephron become accidental rivals in the realm of Instagram relationship advice accounts while attending Wellesley College. Though “Dear Wendy” and “Sincerely Wanda” may be at odds online, Sophie and Jo are only growing closer, and they bond over their shared aroace identities. Will Wendy and Wanda impede Sophie and Jo’s real dynamic?
GOING BICOASTAL
by Dahlia Adler
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, YA
Natalya Fox has two options: one, spend her summer in New York City with her dad and finally ask out the girl she has a crush on, or two, visit her estranged mom in Los Angeles to mend their relationship (and potentially meet a cute guy). With only twenty-four hours to decide, two realities intermingle to reveal Natalya’s two paths. But even with these sliding doors, one door has to close.
DEATH’S COUNTRY
by R.M. Romero
Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism, Romance
A year after making a deal with Death, Andres Santos ends up in Miami, and becomes a polyamory triad with photographer Renee and dancer Liora. After Liora falls into a coma from a car accident, Andres and Renee journey to the underworld to retrieve their girlfriend’s soul. But what happens when the pact from Andres’ past resurfaces in these harrowing depths?
JONNY APPLESEED
by
Joshua Whitehead
Genre: Canadian Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer Jonny Appleseed makes a living as a fetishized Oji-Cree cybersex worker in the big city of Winnipeg. When his stepfather’s funeral beckons for him to return to the reservation, Jonny spends the seven days before the ceremony reflecting on his life beyond the glitz and the glamour, all while trying to earn enough money for a ride home. ●
JUZTIN
BELLO (he/ him/his) is a gay FilipinoCanadian based in Vancouver, BC. He previously worked as a copywriter, copy editor, and brand journalist, and has always sought ways to amplify 2SLGBTQAI+ narratives through writing. In 2020, he won the John H. McDonald Humour Award for his article CONFESSIONALS: The housing crisis in Vancouver is ruining my sex life. This year, Juztin released his debut novel, Knight in Shining Armour, a queer romance fantasy that follows a prince and his best friend on a royal coming-of-age pilgrimage while navigating their mutually hidden feelings for each other. Upon release, the novel skyrocketed to #1 in both “Best Sellers” and “Hot New Releases” under the LGBTQ2S Romance for Young Adults category on Amazon.
Thirty days
by Apricus Lux
30 days sober. 30 days older. 30 days and I got this chip on my shoulder. 30 days sober. 30 days colder. 30 days with this craving a smoulder. 30 days and I should be proud.” 30 days” I scream aloud. 30 days and I just need to make it to 31. 30 days, here’s to the rising of a new sun.
N.C.P
What lies ahead?
Plan to fail? Fail to plan? It’s hard to look forward. It’s hard but the easy way out is to quit. What lies ahead?
No fear, take a deep breath and listen. Listen to the universe and the community that surrounds you.
What lies ahead?
Our wildest dreams, the most authentic version of the person you are meant to be. What lies ahead?
There is no clear path to the future. That’s how it’s meant to be building up hope and endless possibilities.
Dreams
sleeping or with eyes wide, dreams come in many forms.
Mine is to live freely, and deconstruct societal norms. In my dreams I have the strength, I have the power and in reality I will never cower.
Stand tall, chin up, shoulders back, be proud. Stand tall, chin up, shoulders back be loud. Sleeping or with eyes wide, dreams can come true. I learned that all you need is belief in you.
Balance cycle
The universe seeks to find balance equilibrium. It is lost, but also found. When one door opens another closes. Someone’s trash is always someone else’s treasure. Perspective, we find balance and peace through perspective. Yet, how many of us can see both sides? We are all stuck in a perspective of our own. Some of us lost. Some of us found. some of us trash. some of us treasure. some of us dead, but most of us alive. living for them, finding balance in this endless cycle. ●
APRICUS LUX (he/they) is a queer gender fluid multidisciplinary artist. Writing is a way for Apricus to explore the many nuances of life, allowing him to dissect and ponder intricate concepts. To Apricus, infinite horizons are always unfolding.
Echoes of Me
by Sam Coleman
a train horn brings me home sails my body across the green and yellow fields with cows grazing ladybugs sing on my second floor window sill as I play with my stuffed animals my koala is the mother bear to the other plushies even though koalas are not bears even though when I tell other people about my koala I use he/him pronouns was I projecting onto my stuffed animal? I don’t use he/him pronouns but I know female does not wholly define me when I go back home I’m glad my exploration into my gender identity has not resulted in much change because home is stagnant like the swamp in the woods behind my old house the whole city dragging me down reminding me of the time I played cards against humanity with my family and had to tell them the definition of heteronormativity and not tell them it defined them yet still I remember my childhood fondly romanticizing it with images of eloquent insects and soothing trains
one quarter filipino
by Sam Coleman
I recognize the language with its ungs and ahs so I ask kumusta ka with a smile but when it's flipped back at me the only response I know is mabuti
I’m glad my exploration into my gender identity has resulted in much change because my future holds so much possibility like the ocean I now live beside my world is vast and there is so much to be explored this city welcomes the changes now I play games with friends and new family and hearing my pronouns makes me smile I look ahead and dream about this being the norm for myself, my kid, and everyone the future glows with the light of the sunrise over the mountains when I'm biking to work in the summer and I'm set free as I sail across the endless waves
SAM COLEMAN (they/them) is a nonbinary writer and artist living in Vancouver, BC. They are a graduate of the UBC Creative Writing program. Sam is currently working on comics about being nonbinary and writing a middle grade kids novel. They also love writing poetry whenever inspiration strikes.
which isn’t true because I really feel sad that I don’t know more no one can see my ethnicity even when I get a tan in the summer I’m still just a white girl isa dalawa tatlo apat lima anim pito walo siyam sampu I list off proudly but I only know them in that order they tried to teach us on weekends when we were younger but we were more interesting in running around the empty school singing dashing through the snow on a pair of broken skies over the hills we go crashing into trees there’s a funny story about the word aso a few young kids who had just learned it were pointing at a man walking his dog and yelling aso aso aso but that’s not what it sounded like to the white man I always hear my grandma talking to her friends on the phone the odd english word sneaking in but otherwise it’s gibberish to me I want to know more I can cook pansit and chicken adobo I even know have to bake casava cake but I speak french more fluently than a language that runs in my blood salamat po I say whenever I can and I just learned walang anuman if I learn one new word a day will it make me feel more like myself ●
COMMUNITY EVENT LISTINGS
Check out an event or three this Pride, run by one of the many 2SLGBTQAI+ organizations in the city!
PRIDE AT THE BIRDHOUSE
Multiple events throughout July and August 44 West 4th Ave.
Celebrate Pride at The Birdhouse, a queer and trans-run art space in so-called “Vancouver”! Enjoy top-notch parties and drag shows, plus an outdoor patio and fantastic drink selection. With diverse events throughout July and August, there's something for everyone! Check out their Instagram for an up-to-date event schedule @birdhouseartspace
MEET. MINGLE. MIX.
PRIDE EDITION
Saturday, July 20, 5 to 8 p.m.
The Junction, 1138 Davie St. $17.50 advance (Eventbrite) | 19+
Make new Sapphic Connections, Friends and more at Meet. Mingle. Mix. With Vancouver Pride and our first Canada Pride peeking from the corner, this is the place you want to be. Whether you're new to Vancouver, wanting to expand your social circle or a cute couple looking to make new friends, this event is for you. Appetizers included. lezhookup.com
A SPANISH HOUR?
Saturday, July 27, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts $15-$25
You have one hour a week when your spouse is out of the house. What do you do? Of course! Invite your lovers and their lovers and then you are interrupted by a couple of strangers. Based on the Ravel original by the same name this re-imagining features an all-out team from of the queer community taking charge of their own passionate selves and sex lives. chancentre.com
FILM CLUB: ANATOMY OF A FALL
Tuesday, July 30, 6 p.m. Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond FREE (Registration required)
In celebration of Pride Week, Richmond Public Library's Film Club invites you to join us for a screening of Anatomy of a Fall, directed by Justine Triet. yourlibrary.bibliocommons. com/v2/events
WEEBEE'S PRIDE EXTRAVAGANZA
Wednesday, July 31, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Super Smash Burgers, 2287 West Broadway
$20 Advance/$25 Door | 19+
Get ready for a night of magic and celebration at Weebee's Pride Extravaganza! Hosted by the enchanting Weebee, with dazzling performances by the mesmerizing Xana and the sensational Genesis! supersmashburgers.ca
MAKE PRIDE STICKERS WITH PROCREATE AND CRICUT
Thursday, August 1, 4 p.m.
Richmond Public Library, 100-7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
FREE (Registration required) | 13-18
Celebrate Pride Week by designing your very own stickers! We will start by drawing our designs in Procreate, and then after the program staff will cut these out using RPL's Cricut Maker 3. yourlibrary.bibliocommons. com/v2/events
NORMIE PRIDE FEST
Thursday, August 1, 10 p.m to 2 a.m. Celebrities, 1022 Davie St.
Friday, August 2, 10 p.m to 3 a.m. House of Brella, 455 Granville St. Saturday, August 3, 10 p.m to 3 a.m. Enso, 750 Pacific Blvd.
Sunday, Aug 4, 10 p.m to 3 a.m.
The Bunker, 1103 Union St. from $25 | 19+
Join us during Canada Pride 2024, and to celebrate, we’re throwing our very first 4 day Pride Festival! Featuring Amanda Lepore, Venus, hainafromchina, Sammy Sinns, Angelphroot and more! Our festival includes four distinct night-time events across a selection of strategically-chosen venues throughout the city. Each event will feature a unique theme along with our signature high-energy vibe. Head to our website for more info! normiecorp.com
CHICAS IN THE AFTERNOON
Sunday, August 4, 4 to 9 p.m.
Sheraton Wall Centre, 1000 Burrard St. $73 | 19+
Join us for a sun-drenched, day-time Pride extravaganza. Right after the parade, Chicas is where you belong, because it’s where everyone belongs. This is THE garden party of the summer. This deluxe day-club
has phenomenal music (DJ & live vocals), two dance floors, one inside, one out, and a grassy garden of rainbow delights. Sip frosty cocktails or mocktails on a picnic blanket, lounge on an inflatable unicorn, play games on the lawn, and celebrate the power and pleasure of the Pride community—all steps from Davie village. Invite anyone you like, everyone is welcome. flygirlproductions.com
HERSHE BAR: VANCOUVER PRIDE CLOSING PARTY
Sunday, August 4, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Red Room, 398 Richards St. $27 | 19+
Heart-thumping beats with PK Sound system, phenomenal lighting, stunning dancers,a multi-artist lineup featuring Riki Rocket (UK, BC), Betti Forde (UK,Toronto) and a special singing sensation, BLK PRL (Montreal). A full-on festival feel you don't want to miss! Bring your old friends, new friends, and friendly hookups—if they like to dance, we want to meet them. End Gay Christmas the right way and dance the night away with us! flygirlproductions.com
VANCOUVER QUEER FILM FESTIVAL
September 11-22
Downtown Vancouver + Online
VQFF is proud to present over 90 short and feature-length films of all genres from local and international 2SLGBTQIA+ artists! Join us for screenings, panels, parties, and drag performances from your local favs. queerfilmfestival.ca
AUTHENTIC COURAGE GALA
November 23, 5:30 to 11 p.m.
Pan Pacific hotel, 999 Canada Place
$250
Join us for this transformative event—the Authentic Courage Gala—hosted by the Atira Development Society, a sister-organization to Atira Women’s Resource Society. This gala stands as a beacon of hope and progress for our Two-Spirit, Transgender, and gender-diverse community, aiming to raise crucial funds for our housing projects. atira.bc.ca ●
Looking for more recommendations?
Explore the Vancouver Pride Society Community Events Calendar online at vancouverpride.ca/community-events for a comprehensive list of community-powered events across the city.
Give $10 a month and become a monthly donor with HIM.
PnP & Me is a weekly group counselling program designed to support gay, bi, queer men, and gender diverse folks in achieving health goals related to sexualized substance use (party n’ play).
Every Thursday 6:30pm - 8:00pm The Royal - HIM on Davie 416 - 1033 Davie St., Vancouver
Thanks to the 2024 Pride Season Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR SUPPORTED BY
Thanks to the 2024 Queer Rights Summit Sponsors.
Vancouver Pride Society thanks all of our 2024 Community Partners.
Aces & Aros
AfroQueer YVR
AIDS Vancouver
Arts Vancouver
ASL Interpreting Inc
Babes on Babes
The Birdhouse
BC Centre for Disease Control
Canucks Autism Network
Comedy Here Often
Comité FrancoQueer de l'Ouest
Covenant House
Community Based Research
Centre – 2 Spirit Program
Cutting Edges
Disco Fairies
Dr. Peter Center
Dragon Boat BC Drill Events
East Side Studios ENBY6
Family Services of the North Shore – Proud to Be Fanny and Friends
Forbidden Vancouver
Fruit Forward Wine Social Gateo
Good Night Out Vancouver
Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society
Haus of Bukuru
Health Initiative for Men
Hot Latch
House of Lola
Juicy Gems
Just For Laughs Vancouver
JQT Vancouver
King Sized
Latincouver Cultural & Business Society
Learn Educate Transform Society
LEVEL UP YVR
Little Sisters Book
Emporium
MangoSweet
Musqueam Indian Band
Normie Corp
Out for Kicks
Out On Screen/Vancouver
Queer Film Festival
Out On The Shelves Library
PFLAG
Pinoy Pride Vancouver Society
Pop Queen Cardio
Public Disco
QMUNITY
QueerProv – The Queer
Improv Society
Rainbow Foundation of Hope
Rainbow Refugee Society
Rhinestone Phoenix Charity Foundation Ricecake
Saige Community Foodbank
Sher Vancouver
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Smoke Signals
Sober Babes Vancouver
Squamish Nation
Support the Scene
Theatre Under the Stars
Trans Care BC
Trans, Two Spirit, Genderqueer, Intersex March
Transgender Expressions
Haven
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
UBC Pride Collective
Under The Table Poetry
Volunteer Thank You
Urban Native Youth Association – 2-Spirit Collective
Vancouver Black Therapy & Advocacy Fund
Vancouver Dyke March
Vancouver Friends for Life Foundation
Vancouver Frontrunners
Vancouver Gaymers
Vancouver Tennis Association
Vancouver Queer Irish
Van Mural Fest
Van Vogue Jam
Velveteen Vintage
Virago Nation
Vocal Eye
West End Seniors Network
Whiskeyjacks Water Polo
At Vancouver Pride Society, our Pride seasons wouldn't be possible without our amazing volunteers who are at the heart of making all the Pride magic happen. In 2023, 400 incredible volunteers generously dedicated over 3,000 hours across 10 events and three lounges. This year, 42 volunteers have already contributed 182 hours to our exciting new Winter Pride Fest. From setting up to taking down and everything in between, our volunteers put their hearts into making our events shine. We're incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we've received from our volunteers over the past 40 years. A huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered their free time to make our events a success! If you'd like to join our awesome team of volunteers, please reach out to us at volunteercoordinator@vancouverpride.ca
