GUELPH – Guelph Pride is expanding its programming and increasing accessibility of its events this year.
The not-for-profit organization is also partnering with various rural pride organizations to bring a collaborative LGBT2QI+ Arts and Music festival to the region next summer.
“There’s been an epidemic of mental health concerns for LGBT2QI+ people recently with some of the world’s events – and many people in our community haven’t felt welcomed even at some pride festivals,” said co-chair Jasper Smith.
“This year – we’re putting in the work to change that.
“To find ways to work together, to get everyone to table, and to reach out to people in more rural communities that might feel more isolated from our communities, and get everyone together to really celebrate how far we’ve come.”
After celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2018, the committee has witnessed significant change – most notably a threefold increase in committee membership and volunteer recruitment in a few short months.
This committee will work with a wide array of community, campus, and regional partners to bring three unique festivals in 2019. Winter Pride festival, a partnership with the campus community, will happen Feb. 1 to 10.
Guelph Pride festival has been pushed later into May, and in 2019 will kick off on May 31 and continue until June, to coincide with international recognition of Pride month.
Guelph Pride has partnered with Kincardine, Orangeville, Elora, Fergus, and Owen Sound pride communities, as well as the popular LGBT campground, The Ridge resort.
The festival will feature various LGBT2QI+ musicians, visual artists, and DJs over the course of three days.
The festival also includes riverside camping, local vendors, food trucks, and more.
