Lloydminster’s Pride Week is on the horizon and organizers are raising awareness around inclusivity.
“Pride for us is about raising awareness, developing connections and just making sure everybody in Lloydminster feels included, involved and connected,” said Joey Hurley, vice chair, board of directors, 2SLGBTQIA+ Society of Lloydminster.
Read more: Pride week’s a go in Lloydminster
Pride Week in Lloydminster is from July 20-26 and kicks off with a long-time staple.
“We’re starting Pride Week with our big flagship event, Pride in the Park,” said Hurley, explaining the event consists of a barbecue, market and a flag raising and Pride Walk from Synergy Credit Union.
There’s also an all-ages sidewalk chalk party on July 22 at Grace United Church, followed by bingo the next day.
“Wednesday (July 23) we’ve been welcomed at 4th Meridian Brewery for drag bingo with one of our local drag queens, Naomi,” said Hurley, noting Thursday will feature a movie night at the Bud Miller amphitheatre.
“We are doing a movie night promoting queer voices and inclusion through the movie Spoiler Alert,” said Hurley, adding Pride Week caps off with a big event on Saturday.
“We’re doing our large drag showcase with our local drag organization Slay the Night,” he said. “I’m happy to say that will be held at the Border Inn and Suites crown ballroom.”
Hurley says these events are a way to promote the Pride community.
“Just a bunch of wonderful opportunities in the community,” he said. “They promote inclusion, queer voices and interactivity of the community.”
While Pride Week is a collection of events, Hurley says it’s important to keep events going throughout the year.
“Over the last few years, we’ve tried to do more things throughout the rest of the year in tandem with local Pride Week,” he said. “I know myself and the society very much share the belief the queer community doesn’t vanish after Pride Week or only exist for the month of Pride.
“Sometimes we’ll do backyard barbecues and local pop-up events to keep everyone engaged, connected and really establish that safe community.”
Those looking to learn about other events can do so through Facebook at Facebook.com/2SLGBTQIALloyd.
Hurley says they’ve also been working with other Pride communities in the area.
“We’ve also been doing a lot of connections with other queer organizations in adjacent communities, Cold Lake, Wainwright, Battlefords, to promote those connections and not create so much isolation,” he said.
Isolation is something Hurley hopes to combat and help people find their community.
“We know there are a lot of queer individuals in Lloydminster and we’re trying to make sure they’re aware of what’s available,” he said. “The last thing we want is for people to feel like ‘you’re the only person in the community.'”
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