June will be different this year, but amidst the pandemic uncertainty one thing is staying the same: Pride Month is coming to the Sunshine Coast. Both the Town of Gibsons and the District of Sechelt have joined with official proclamations to ring in the month.
Most events are going virtual for the first time. The action starts June 6 with the Queer Trivia Night Kickoff held on Zoom at 7:10 p.m. Earlier that day, bookish types can join the Gibsons and District Public Library’s Queer Book Club on Zoom at 11 a.m., featuring Kai Cheng Thom’s book, I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl’s Notes from the End of the World. At gibsons.bc.libraries.coop/event/lgbtq2-book-club/?instance_id=134977
On June 20, everyone is invited to get a little wild with Pride Online Dance Party + Performances, to be held (where else?) on Zoom. The event will feature videos, a live DJ, choreography and special guests. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Wear your rainbows, bring a beverage and get ready for some entertaining interaction.
The following week on June 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., thanks to the marvels of modern live-streaming, Sunday on the Porch with Pride will be brought to your porch – or living room, or backyard, or wherever you are that afternoon.
It will be a mashup of music, dancing, karaoke, rainbow cupcake-decorating, mocktails and makeup demos, interviews and history. And don’t forget Best Dressed Pet. A youth-friendly event for the whole family. Zoom and streaming details at www.prideguide.ca
Not all events are staying online. One of the first opportunities to be out in public is coming via the LGBTQ2+ Art Show. From June 12 to July 12, Performing Flux will be taking over the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre on Medusa Street in Sechelt. The show will explore sexuality, gender and identity with photography by Craig Cochrane, mixed media by Jan Legault, acrylics by Marilyn Marshall, and videography by Romi Kim. Those interested in hearing from the artists are welcome to join an Artist’s talk on June 7 at 2 p.m. on Zoom. More details can be found at www.sunshinecoastartscouncil.com
Shows are also being planned for the annual Queer Projections film festival, with details available at www.outonthecoast.ca
Calendar of events and links to all Zoom events can be found here: www.prideguide.ca/calendar/ and at www.facebook.com/SunshineCoastPride/
All events are free and everyone is welcome.
– Submitted
