Guelph Pride
Guelph Pride is an LGBT pride festival, held annually in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.[1] Organized by the Guelph Pride Committee with the assistance of Out on the Shelf, the city's local LGBT library and resource centre,[2] the event takes place in May each year.[3] The event generally takes place as the first Pride celebration in the Southern Ontario region each summer.[4]
Held for the first time in 2003, the event celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2013.[1] Prior to the launch of its own Pride festival, Guelph held some events as part of Waterloo Region's tri-Pride.[5] In 2013, the organization also launched Winter Pride, a smaller separate program of events which takes place in February.[2]
The organization is well-supported by community leaders. Former mayor Karen Farbridge has officiated the official raising of the rainbow flag to kick off the event,[3][6] and Liz Sandals, the city's provincial MPP, has also attended events and supported the organization.[7]
The organization also works to help build and develop LGBT resources throughout Southwestern Ontario; in 2011, they donated several hundred books to the Thames Art Gallery in Chatham to help build a local LGBT library and archive.[8]
Unlike many larger pride festivals, Guelph Pride does not currently hold a parade, instead focusing on a more modest program of family and community events.[7] Its weeklong program of events currently culminates in an afternoon family fair at the city's West End Community Centre on the final weekend, followed by a pride dance in the evening.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Guelph seniors centre hosts Pride Week discussion". Guelph Mercury, May 9, 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Taking pride in diversity". The Ontarion, February 13, 2013.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Pride flag hoisted at Guelph city hall to officially launch Pride Week". MSN Canada, May 7, 2013.
- ↑ "Prides to watch out for". Xtra!, May 29, 2009.
- ↑ "It takes a village to raise a Pride". Xtra!, May 29, 2003.
- ↑ "Pride Week takes flight in city; Mayor on hand to fly rainbow flag". Guelph Mercury, May 27, 2008.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Pride picnic revival planned". The Record, May 29, 2006.
- ↑ "Exhibit takes a look at local LGBTQ history, culture". Chatham This Week, December 7, 2011.
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