b'PRIDE 2022feedback about how that helped increaseIts going to be quite the site! exclaims accessibility and inclusivity for folks whoGamache. Were creating different podsNORTHERN PRIDEwere not able to attend in-person events,within this space. Well have a mainWhen most people think of Pride, for a whole raft of reasons. stage, secondary stage, safe spaces for allCanadas big cities come to mind. But Weve realized that creating digitalcommunities and more diverse the country is also home to what has content is fantastic for reaching outfood options. come to be known as the Pride Capital to folks who would not come to ourMost exciting for Gamache is theof the North: Elliot Lake, located north of in-person events for many reasons,opportunity for the festival to grow intoLake Huron in Ontario.whether due to physical limitations orthe space. We intend to be at Olympic other priorities, notes Fiert MontralPark for several years, he says. We canElliot Lake Pride has been organizing a executive director Simon Gamache.fully develop the site as the audiencepopular Pride Festival on the last week-Accordingly, all major Pride festivalscomes back. end of May in the northern enclave since will hold some virtual events this2013. It is the Norths first regional Pride year, including livestreaming of selectFOCUS ON DIVERSITY festival and draws in crowds from many in-person events.The pandemic didnt just bring in-personof the nearby LGBTQ+ communities. Pride events to a grinding halt. It alsoActivities include a church service, flag WHATS ON TAPput a spotlight on racial inequities andraising, parade and the crowning of the Its the return of in-person celebrationsthe importance of representing theEmperor and Empress of Algoma.that the queer community is most excitedfull diversity of the queer community.For more information on this years about. What tried-and-true events canThis year we can expect a strongevent, visit www.elpride.ca. you expect this year? At Toronto Pride,focus on issues of systemic racism, core in-person events are back, includingintersectionality and more home. In having conversations with the Trans March, Dyke March, SundayQTBIPOC performers. Spice, we knew that we found someone parade, street festival and several liveAnti-racism is one of two themesthat understands the homophobia, performance stages. Our Cabana Poolthat Pride Toronto is focusing on.transphobia and biphobia that exists Party is in mid-June, and our Till SunsetWere working with 13 diverse curatorswithin their own culture, but is willingparty is happening on Toronto Island,from across Toronto to really bringto stand up for the community,says Modeste. Celebrations will alsothe 2SLGBTQ+ community life, saysexplains Modeste. include Family Pride, Youth Pride, SoberModeste. But its their Sunday headliner,Montreal produced more diverse Pride and Seniors Pride. renowned Jamaican dancehall artistPride programming in 2021 than ever In Vancouver, plans are underwaySpice, that really has the communitybefore, and this year theyre keeping for an in-person parade and festival,talking. But isnt dancehall notorious forup the momentum. Our conference including lounges, beer gardens andits homophobic lyrics and attitudes? Thistopics and programming will include plenty of live programming. Were bringing back the Unicorn Ball, the Sunsetis exactly why Spice was selected. Wereintersectionalities; well talk about Beach Festival and East Side Pride, doing this because we want to send a veryrealities of all minorities, says Gamache. says Keple.strong message, says Modeste. TheYou will see more artists that are trans, Montreal is planning for an in-personlevel of homophobia and transphobia thatTwo-Spirit, non-binary and/or BIPOC.festival and parade as well, including twoexists in the world needs to stop. Vancouvers 2022 Pride theme also Community Days held in The Village. ButPride Toronto is stepping outsidespeaks to a focus on diversity. Last year as most of their Pride events take place inof the community to work with artistwe held an event that was was exclusively August, they must account for potentialallies who can really bring this messagecurated by and for queer, trans and changes in public health regulations. Currently, were going full steam ahead, notes Gamache. We have contingency plans in place and are working with the City of Montreal, the police force, our partners and community organizations and activists. Montreal turned to Olympic Park for last years programming, and they revelled in the abundant space and increased program opportunities. This year its officialthe festival is moving to the Esplanade of Olympic Park. HowPride Capital of the Northis Fiert Montral planning to make usewww.elpride.ca | FB: ElliotLakePride | @Elliotlakepride of this huge space? Were really excited. Issue 1 2022 | QBiz CANADA |17'