Submitted by Kootenay Pride
Kootenay Pride is thrilled to be coming back to the streets, flag poles, museums, parks and plazas in a big way for the first fully in-person events since the shut down in 2020.
The dedicated and busy team of volunteers has been working for months to create a bevy of fun, inclusive, educational, and entertaining events and happenings during the week leading up to the Pride weekend.
Micheal Wicks, longtime Kootenay Pride, volunteer shared, “While postering for Pride on Baker Street this Saturday, we were greeted enthusiastically by every business and they grabbed our posters and handbills eagerly, putting them up almost immediately. Some were already planning their window displays and all were very excited at all the diverse events. It was a heartwarming community welcome back to all of us.”
Start off the week right by coming to cheer on the flag raising at City Hall on Monday, Aug. 29 at 9:30 a.m.
From Aug. 29 to Sept. 5, The Civic Theatre will be running queer movies at the main and Shoebox screens. Check online for movies and times.
On Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., head to the Nelson Innovation Centre at 91 Baker St., for Queerdos, inspiring queer, questioning and curious people to step into their truth and express themselves authentically through meditation, art, and conversation. Find out more details about this event and all of the events on the Kootenay Pride’s Facebook page.
Thursday, Sept, 1 at the Nelson Innovation Centre from 5 to 8:30 p.m. is Queer Games Night, an evening of casual multiplayer video games and quick tabletop games intended to help us make new friends and connect with other LGBTQIA+ people in our community. All people ages 12 and older are welcome! No alcohol will be served at this event.
Happening the same day at the Shawn Lamb Archives at Touchstones Nelson Museum is Explore Y(our) Archive/Build the Future, an interactive participatory drop-in workshop from 5 to 9 p.m.
On Friday, Sept. 2, everyone is invited to the Welcome BBQ and Social at the Rotary Shelter at Lakeside Park from 3 to 5 p.m., hosted by Kootenay Pride, ANKORS Trans Connect and HIM-health initiative for men. This all ages event. Also that day, the Pride Cabaret with The Dancing Legs is at The Royal. Two performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets available online or at The Royal.
On Saturday, Sept. 3, Kootenay Pride is super excited to present Rainbow Families, a free, all-age event and BBQ for 2SLGBTQ parents and children. There will be food, face painting, crafts, dance party, Drag story time and more at the Nelson Family Place, 312 Silica St., 1 to 4 p.m. You can follow this event up by reliving your prom (the way you want to) with Queer Prom at Passmore Hall, 3762 Little Slocan, South Road, in Winlaw from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
And the week wouldn’t be complete without the spectacular Pride parade on Baker on Sunday, Sept 4. Gather at Central School (Wildflower) at 808 Stanley St. to decorate, celebrate and be ready for a 3 p.m. prompt departure to the downtown core. The parade will be ending its run at Hall Street Plaza where it will join the Pride Artists and Services Market that has been underway from noon to 5 p.m.
If you would like to volunteer as a parade marshal or for any of these events please contact Kootenay Pride at nelsonpridevolunteers@gmail.com or reach out on Facebook. The team of volunteers have been working hard and are looking forward to seeing the community come out to support their 2SLGBTQ+ neighbours. Love Wins.
Contact kootenayproud@gmail.com with any questions.