A whole host of events are being staged in Richmond to celebrate Pride Week and a new three-point line rainbow is being painted on the outdoor basketball court at Cambie Community Centre.
The controversial Minoru Boulevard rainbow crosswalk will also be painted this weekend, weather permitting, ahead of the official kick off to Pride across the region, on July 27.
Fourteen free and low-cost activities will be held at city facilities, where community members are welcome to drop in leading up to and throughout Pride Week.
“The City of Richmond values diversity and encourages the community to embrace programs and services that recognize the needs, interests and safety concerns of everyone, including members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S) communities,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
Pride events are held internationally to commemorate the history of the LGBTQ2S rights movement and to recognize diversity and inclusion.
Pride Week will include the following:
Queer Networking Social
Thursday, July 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
City Centre Community Centre
Free, 18+ years
Build connections and enjoy a special guest presentation at this gathering for LGBTQ2S-identified adults.
Painting of the Rainbow Staircase
Saturday, July 27, 1 to 3 p.m.
Richmond Cultural Centre
Free, all ages
Join the Richmond Youth Media Program (RYMP) as the youth take up their brushes and paint the steps of the Cultural Centre.
Pride Drag Showcase
Saturday, July 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
City Centre Community Association
Free, all ages
Celebrate the LGBTQ2S community at this family-friendly show featuring local drag performers and dancers.
Rainbow Storytime
Sunday, July 28, 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Richmond Public Library, Brighouse Branch
Free, all ages
Sing songs and share stories of diversity, acceptance, love, friendship, and all the colours of the rainbow.
Pride Week Hangout
Tuesday, July 30, 5 to 7 p.m.
Cambie Community Centre
Free, all ages
Celebrate Pride at Cambie’s outdoor Pride Week Hangout. Join us for free activities.
Pride Week Coffee Group
Wednesday, July 31, 10 a.m. to noon
Hamilton Community Centre
Free, all ages
Enjoy refreshments and treats for this informal social in our community living room.
Summer Fun in the Park
Thursday, August 1, 6 to 8 p.m.
Thompson Community Centre
Free, all ages
Celebrate Pride through art, dance and music featuring a dance fitness class, a concert featuring the gender inclusive After Work Social cover band, and an art project with Paige Gratland, Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence.
Pride Picnic and Social
Saturday, August 3, noon to 4 p.m.
Branscombe House
Free, all ages
Pack a lunch and Join Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence, Paige Gratland for an afternoon picnic on Pride weekend. This family-friendly event will include the unveiling of the community-woven table setting created for the picnic table behind Branscombe House, along with interactive art activities, a bike decorating station, guest speakers and dance party with a live DJ.
For more information, visit richmond.ca/PrideWeek.
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