Besides having fun, the most important feature of East Side Pride is that it’s inclusive for all, says a spokesperson for the Vancouver Pride Society.
Cynthia Williams says the East Side Pride board of directors and volunteers work hard each year to ensure everyone feels welcome. To that end, the sober event will provide plenty of shade through the use of tents placed along paved pathways and an American Sign Language interpreter, from the B.C. Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf, who will be situated near the stage.
“It’s family-friendly and entirely free,” said Williams. “There’s no parade, but there will be a lot of dogs dressed up for pictures.”
East Side Pride marks the start of Pride Season in the city, which culminates in the annual parade attended by hundreds of thousands. This year the annual Pride Parade takes place Aug. 2 in the West End. East Side Pride takes place each year in Grandview Park off Commercial Drive, former home to the historic Stonewall Festival in the 1990s and 2000s. The Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York City in June 1969, proved to be a turning point for the LGBT rights movement in the U.S. At the time, New York’s gay community took to the streets to protest the violent, early-morning police raid of the Stonewall Inn.
And while today’s festival still invokes a message of equal rights for all, it’s also a lot of fun and offers an opportunity to learn about the important work community groups perform in support of Vancouver’s LGBTQ communities, said Williams.
Highlights of the festival, hosted by drag king Rose Butch — recent winner of the Mr./Mrs. Cobalt Drag Competition — include drag performances, DJs, live bands, food and games. The East Side Pride Market is back this year with displays by local artists and community groups and plenty of food to choose from. New this year is a trans and gender-diverse community zone. As well, a “bike kitchen” will be set up where participants can get helping fixing their bike and learn lessons in maintenance.
“This will be the biggest celebration yet,” said Williams. “The word is out that we want to engage the community.”
Williams added that while the daylong festival is alcohol-free, that is not the case with the official East Side Pride 19-years and older after party, Queer X Queer presented by Man-up at the Cobalt, 917 Main St. The festival takes place June 27 at Grandview Park, 1657 Charles St., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit vancouverpride.ca.
East Side Pride is not the only official Pride event that takes place east of Main Street. The annual Dyke March and Festival takes place Aug. 1. Friends and family will meet at McSpadden Park around noon and march along Commercial Drive to Grandview Park for an afternoon of celebration. Visit vancouverdykemarch.com for a complete schedule.
@sthomas10
