Last Friday’s kickoff BBQ in Huntsville’s River Mill Park marked the launch of the eighth annual Muskoka Pride Festival. Muskoka Pride aims to combat the notion that to be straight and cis-gendered is normal and anything else (gay/lesbian/bisexual/pansexual/asexual/queer/ transgendered/genderfluid/agender) is abnormal. With events running almost every day, these ten days are all about having fun and creating safe and welcoming spaces for those of all genders and sexual-orientations.
The next event is ‘Campfire Vespers’ which is happening tonight (July 17) at 7:30 in Bracebridge. A favourite of Shawn Forth, board member of Pride Muskoka, he describes it as a non- denominational church-around-a-campire. He said, “Listening each year to the coming-out stories of those who have come before just makes me appreciate even more how far we have come as a society towards acceptance and celebration.”
Following that there are Flag Raisings across Muskoka tomorrow (July 18), a Coffee Meetup in Honey Harbour on Tuesday July 19, Yoga and Wood-Stove Pizza on Wednesday July 20, Dinner and a Movie on Thursday July 21, Pub Night on Friday July 22, a Boat Cruise and Mini-Golf Tournament on Saturday July 23 and finally the annual Muskoka Pride Picnic on Sunday July 24. For more information see the website here.
This year’s Picnic, featuring a performance by folk musician Irish Mythen, will be particularly memorable as it host to two same-sex weddings. Special thanks to Chaplain Jane Craig and congratulations to Mike & John from Toronto and Carys & Jay from Guelph!
Muskoka Pride has had amazing support from all across Muskoka. Many of us didn’t quite know what we were getting into when it all started, because we weren’t sure if the communities were ready for out and proud LGBTQ folk. The assumptions and stereotypes many in the LGBTQ community might have had, have been proven wrong – we have been overwhelmed with the acceptance and celebration shown all across Muskoka.
Board member Shawn Forth
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- Briar Summers, 12 year-old local singer pianist
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- Liberal representatives offer a petition in support of trans rights
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- Huntsville Lake of Bays volunteer firefighters cook up the hotdogs
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- Surprise musical guest Tony Clement
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- Kim and Joanne enjoying the Pride BBq
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Thanks for covering this this event. The organizers works hard to make it inclusive and fun. Thanks to the firefighters too who are always willing to lend a hand and smile.