Show your Pride in 2020 with these tips

June 27 is World Pride Day, and while celebrations may look a little different, across BC we are finding creative ways to connect with one another and show our collective Pride. The traditional parade routes flanked with thousands of members of the LGBTQ2+ community, their friends, families, and allies are, unfortunately, not permitted this summer, but there are still plenty of ways to proclaim loudly that love is love.

Pride sign at North Vancouver waterfront | Tourism Vancouver / Vision Event Photography Inc.

VANCOUVER

Queer Arts Festival: July 16-26

Art brings people together, and that has never been more important. This year’s Queer Arts Festival is going online, with a unique series of exhibitions and events you can experience from home. Check out their online events listings, register by donation, and mark your calendar in anticipation of getting your queer art fix—from a distance.

Vancouver Pride: July 27-August 2

Instead of the vibrant parties that traditionally take over Vancouver’s West End during Pride Week, this year’s celebration will take the party from the street to your living room. The festivities will kick off with a flag raising on Monday, July 27, and will culminate with an hour-long, live-streamed parade on Sunday, August 2. The parade—produced in collaboration with the Daily Hive—will consist of photo and video submissions presented by live hosts, followed by a “main stage” show that’s sure to get you off the couch. In between, planned events include drag shows, a presentation by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and a day of physically distanced queer weddings held at City Hall. Cheers to that!

Victoria Pride Parade | Deddeda Stemler

VICTORIA

Virtual Pride: June 28-July 5

The Victoria Pride Society will also bring the party to the people this year with digital drag shows, online workshops, a Virtual Pride Festival on Sunday, July 5, and more. One of the annual highlights of Victoria Pride will also embrace a new format this year with the Virtual Big Gay Dog Walk on Friday, July 3. Dress up your canine companion and participate in the costume contest, or just tune in from home to watch the cuteness in action.

Okanagan Pride Festival in Kelowna | Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Shawn Talbot Photography

KELOWNA

Kelowna Pride: September 19-27

The biggest Pride festival in BC’s Interior, Kelowna Pride is an inclusive event that has been running for more than a quarter of a century. While things may change between now and September, the current plan is to go ahead with events including a Trans Pride March & Social, a Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar competition, and, of course, the Pride March & Festival. Check their website for more details as the event gets closer.

OUT in the Valley: Oct 29-Nov 1

The Okanagan Valley’s newest wine, craft beer, and spirits festival is also its queerest. Limited-capacity events include wine tours (including VIP Drag Tours) where you can taste some of the Okanagan’s finest pours, the fabulous annual Sugarplum Ball (hosted by Mayor Sugarplum), and an unforgettable Drag Brunch (mimosas for everyone).

Happy World Pride Day!

WRITTEN BY: Tiffany Lewis

From: Richmond
Born and raised in British Columbia, Tiffany Lewis is a Destination BC staffer who lives just south of Vancouver near charming Steveston Village. Passionate about all things local, from food to cider to theatre, Tiffany loves spending her free time exploring the province’s parks, beaches, and festivals with her two beautiful daughters.