What to do in Waterloo region for 2SLGBTQ Pride month
There are a series of events organized by groups like Tri-Pride and Spectrum
Many local 2SLGBTQ groups have organized a series of events for Pride month this year, from Tri-Pride to Grand River Pride, and events at Spectrum, too.
June is celebrated as Pride month across Canada, however Pride celebrations continue beyond this month across the country. Montreal and Vancouver, for example, have their big Pride celebrations in August this year.
Here's a look at some events that are happening in the region over the next few weeks to celebrate the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender questioning/queer community.
Tri-Pride summer festival and beyond
Tri-Pride's summer festival is the largest event in the region that happens by the clock tower in Victoria Park in Kitchener on Saturday, June 10 from noon until 8 p.m.
"We have a very wide, very diverse line-up of talented performers and musicians and drag performers as well," Fabian Fletcher, Tri-Pride president, told CBC News.
Their line-up includes RuPaul's Drag Race stars Ongina and Trinity K. Bonet, and Juno nominated, Alysha Brilla.
There is also a beer garden, dozens of vendors and a family friendly "kids zone."
Following the festival is a late night dance at the Museum in downtown Kitchener starting at 9 p.m. organized by the Rainbow Coalition of Waterloo Region and Queer Night Out.
Inaugural Pride week in Cambridge by Grand River Pride
Bryan Causarano and Eric Bolton founded Grand River Pride in Cambridge, and their inaugural Pride week in the city runs from June 1 to 10, with a flag raising ceremony at Cambridge City Hall on Thursday.
Other events include OK2BME: Pride Prom 2023 on June 2 for queer youth in grades nine to 12, and a downtown Cambridge street party on June 10, which includes a performance by drag star, Tynomi Banks.
"We've seen an increased interest in pride-based events, and given the global climate we wanted to make a strong, positive stance for Cambridge," Bolton told CBC News in an email statement.
"The community's response has been immensely positive and we keep hearing 'this is long overdue'. It's been remarkable."
Gala and patio party with Spectrum
Spectrum, which offers services and support for the local community, has a variety of events over the month including their fundraising dinner and gala with comedians Martha Chaves, Tamara Shevon and Al Val. That's on June 29.
They've also teamed up with TWB Brewing in Kitchener for a patio party on June 3 with special guest DJ Jason Spanks.
Other highlights include a queer "speed friending," which is like speed dating, but for making 2SLGBTQ friends at Cafe Pyrus in Kitchener on June 20, and a discussion with filmmaker Chris Vautour and others at the former Cambridge site of the legendary lesbian bar, Robin's Nest, which is the subject of Vautour's next film.
Spectrum will also be at the first annual Woolwich Pride at Gibson Park in Elmira on June 17.
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