Richmondites are invited to celebrate Pride Week from July 25 to July 31 by participating in various events and activities held by the city.
To celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ2S+ communities, the City of Richmond has partnered with community associations and societies to launch a series of inclusive and engaging activities next week, featuring local artists and performers.
Everyone is welcome to attend and some of the event highlights include storytime, a picnic, a concert, workshops, fitness classes and printmaking activity.
Highlights of Richmond's Pride Week are listed below:
1. Printmaking for Pride
Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Richmond Cultural Centre Plaza
Join LGBTQ2S+ artist Edward Fu-Chen Juan and guest artist Jade Balogh-Callow for a family-friendly monotype printmaking activity and social. Participants will create their own prints using plant-based ink and materials that have been collected and curated by the artist for their symbolic references to strength, endurance and perseverance.
2: Pride Picnic
Thursday, July 26, 6 to 7 p.m. South Arm Community Centre
Everyone is welcome to enjoy some light refreshments, live music from local musician Jessica Mai and activities in the park at the family-friendly Pride Picnic. No registration is required.
3. Drag Queen Storytime
Monday, July 25, 1 to 2 p.m., Online and Hamilton Community Centre
Don't miss local teacher and drag performer Bryan Bone, a.k.a. Gina Tonic, for children's stories that teach lessons of diversity, self-love and an appreciation of others. This event is offered in-person and through Zoom.
4. Pride Latin Dance Fitness
Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., West Richmond Community Centre
Celebrate Pride Week outdoors with powerhouse personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Sabine Yep, leading a high-energy Latin dance class. This event is open to adults of all skill levels.
5. Pride in the Park
Wednesday, July 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Garden City Park
Take part in this family-friendly event with crafts, games and a Pride concert in the park, featuring local artist Jason Chu.
6. What I Wish My Parents Knew: A Workshop for Parents of Queer Youth, by Queer Youth
Wednesday, July 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Richmond Public Library - Brighouse
Be a part of this workshop aimed at helping parents and caregivers embrace the LGBTQ2S+ youth in their lives. There will be discussions and testimonials from both LGBTQ+ youth and a parent of an LGBTQ2S+ individual, followed by a Q&A session with all presenters.
7. Cambie's Allyship Workshop
Thursday, July 28, 3 to 4 p.m., East Richmond Community Hall
Join others for an afternoon of family-friendly allyship education. Activities include a short presentation on how to help advance the interest of the LGBTQ2S+ community, an interactive activity on what allyship means to individuals and a Waacking dance performance.
For a full list of Pride Week events and activities, visit richmond.ca/prideweek.
