Sudbury Pride
Sudbury Pride (Template:Lang-fr) is an annual LGBT pride parade and festival hosted annually Fierté Sudbury Pride[1], held in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. It was the first Pride event in Northern Ontario, and the only one in the region until the launch of Thunder Bay's Thunder Pride festival in 2010.
Held for the first time in 1997,[2] the event was originally organized by a committee that included sociologist Gary Kinsman. The first parade occurred on July 19, 1997. After the first event it was then held in August of each year until 2007, and has since been held in July.
In 2006, This Magazine cited Sudbury Pride as an event which, because of the city's working class culture, feels "real, dangerous, like Pride's supposed to feel."[3]
In 2020, Sudbury Pride Week is to be held from July 12 - July 19.
Mission
Fierté Sudbury Pride is a not for profit community-based organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ population of the City of Greater Sudbury. We foster understanding and diversity by showcasing 2SLGBTQ+ culture at events such as art shows, festivals, and concerts.
Events
Flag Raising
To launch the festival, The Pride Flag is raised at Tom Davies Square. This includes speakers from the LGBTQ community sharing their experiences as well as speeches from Sudbury Community Leaders. Cake is also served.
Pride in the Park
Following the Flag Raising(which is generally held on a Monday) a week-long series of events is held. This includes 'Pride in the Park' a festival in Memorial Park on the Saturday of Pride week, with live entertainment, vendors and other activities - this is a fantastic family-friendly event leading up to the 'Pride March.'
Pride March
A peaceful March through Downtown Sudbury is held directly following 'Pride in the Park.' Participants start at Memorial Park and weave their way through the city's downtown. This March is similar to a Pride Parade since there is the inclusion of vehicles. But it does not draw an audience. The fun is in the participation, not the watching.(although many do watch)[4]
Other Community Events
Many businesses and organizations in Sudbury host Pride-themed events during Sudbury Pride Week. From drag shows to clothing swaps to teen dances. There's a little bit of something for everyone.
In 2014, the event added an annual program of awards to honour local businesses, organizations and individuals who have been trailblazers in the city's LGBT community.[5]
References
- ^ http://www.sudburypride.com/?fbclid=IwAR0DOF57tBXiUN3gmmXu9jJTyKBgR21ZAisWEFsjwHvfukKZENH_cMSdiCg
- ^ "Gays parade their pride". Sudbury Star, August 11, 2002. p. A1.
- ^ "We're here...and here...and here...", This Magazine, May/June 2006.
- ^ http://www.sudburypride.com/events/
- ^ "Sudbury poised to show its pride". Northern Life, July 7, 2014.
External links
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