Kevin Yarr

Prince Edward Island's Pride Festival began over the weekend with thousands of dollars raised to support local groups and social events day and night.

There was drag in Summerside, brunch in Charlottetown, and a potluck in Vernon Bridge.

Wilma Checklear greets some diners at the brunch.

Wilma Checklear was among the performers at the drag brunch at Pony Boat.

Wilma Checklear

In Charlottetown,&nbsp;people lined up down the street for a tattoo event on Sunday. Three artists volunteered their time to raise money for the P.E.I. Trans Network.

Politicians can march in parade, but not in a partisan way, says Pride P.E.I.

Pride P.E.I. is clarifying who is and who isn't welcome to march in the annual Pride Parade through Charlottetown on July 29. The organization said in March that it no longer wanted politicians and political leaders to participate.

The streets of downtown Charlottetown were full of rainbow-clad supporters during P.E.I.'s Pride Parade in July 2022. 

The streets of downtown Charlottetown were full of supporters hoisting and wearing rainbow colours during P.E.I.'s Pride Parade in July 2022. 

P.E.I. Pride Parade 2022

Fredericton Pride parade a 'culmination' of week-long celebration of queer joy

Despite increased backlash to the LGBTQ community under the revised Policy 713, the parade went on with theme of queer joy.

A group of people walk in a parade under pride flags and rainbow confetti.

Participants in Sunday's Pride parade in downtown Fredericton. Under increased pressure on the LGBTQ community with a review to Policy 713, event organizers gave this year's Pride the theme of "Queer joy".

Fredericton Pride Parade

Participants in Sunday's Pride parade in downtown Fredericton. Amid increased pressure on the LGBTQ community after a review to Policy 713, event organizers gave this year's Pride parade the theme of 'queer joy.'

Crystal MacCormac got to the event before 8 a.m. and paid $60 for a heart tattoo.

She said she wanted to show support for her sister, a member of the trans community.

Crystal MacCormac shows heart tattoo on her forearm, with tattoo artist in background.

Crystal MacCormac shows off her new heart tattoo.

Crystal MacCormac

"I spent a lot of time with my younger sibling and just educating myself," MacCormac said.

"Learning the proper ways to talk to people without being overbearing — because I tend to be — or without being unintentionally insulting. So I just do my best to educate myself and be involved in any aspect I can be."

Zander Gallant and Bradi Gallant smiling at the camera.

Zander Gallant and Bradi Gallant of Zander's Studio at the With and Wellness Market, Pride Edition, at the Guild on Saturday.

Zander's Studio

Nine bikers met up at Province House Sunday morning for a ride to Victoria in support of PEERS Alliance.

"Historically, the motorcycle community has not been the most welcoming and safest of spaces for women and LGBTQ people," said organizer Erin Gillespie.

Erin Gillespie outside of Province House, with motorcycles in background.

Erin Gillespie

"I've been a rider for 15 years, so I've been trying to maybe create a safer space."

P.E.I.'s first queer youth anthology a 'big deal' for those involved

'Are We Friends Now?' compiles works by and about queer youth all across the Island, from poems, to short stories, to novel excerpts. The book will be published next week.

A book cover reads "Are We Friends Now?". It's pink and has a pride flag and two windows.

An official launch for P.E.I.'s first ever queer youth anthology will take place on July 24 at the P.E.E.R.S. Alliance office in Charlottetown. There will be book signings and readings from the authors.

Queer anthology cover

An official launch event for P.E.I.'s first-ever queer youth anthology will take place on July 24 at the P.E.E.R.S. Alliance office in Charlottetown. 

New services added under P.E.I.'s gender-affirming care policy

The P.E.I. government has expanded the list of procedures covered under its gender-affirming care policy. The updates include the addition of services such as voice therapy and face and chest feminization surgeries.

A flag raising of the progress pride Flag outside the George Coles building with government leaders in attendance. 

Gallant says P.E.I. was once near the bottom in Canada when it came to covering gender affirming services. 

Pride Progress Flag

Jay Gallant of Health P.E.I.'s gender-affirming care steering committee says the province was once near the bottom in Canada when it came to covering gender-affirming services. 

Bikers lined up outside the fence separating the Province House construction zone.

Nine bikers met outside Charlottetown for the Queer Ride.

Queer ride

Pride continues throughout this week and into next weekend.

Events include a movie night, a poetry slam, dances, a comedy show, a ceilidh and numerous other social events.

The Pride parade will be held Saturday at noon in downtown Charlottetown.

You can find a full schedule of events at the Pride P.E.I. website.

Hillary Wood was one of three tattoo artists who volunteered their time to raise money for the P.E.I. Trans Network.

P.E.I. Pride launches with bikes, brunch and ink

Creating a safer space

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