A Richmond community centre is getting set to host its first Pride drag event and one of the organizers is urging everyone in the neighbourhood to come and enjoy the show.
The City Centre Community Association (CCCA) will host the Pride Drag Showcase, featuring drag performers and dancers, on the evening of July 27 at its Minoru Boulevard centre.
“We are trying to create a place that is welcoming, space-inclusive and some fun activities for people in Richmond, particularly in City Centre,” said Jose Gonzalez, president of the CCCA.
Gonzalez and the association would “love to see people come out and see what they think” about the showcase and events.
“The staff with the (special events and program committee) came up with the idea of a pride drag showcase,” said Gonzalez, adding that the association always “encourages staff to try new things.”
Meanwhile, City of Richmond spokesperson Clay Adams said that he thinks “there’s a growing awareness that we all need to be aware of the LGBTQ+ community that is around us.
“…for some in the community, it’s still a bit of a struggle to see the profile that exists, particularly for Pride Week.”
Adams added that “(the city will) encourage anything that basically recognizes people’s diversity, whether that be cultural, whether that be spiritual, whether that be gender orientation; it’s all part of what makes Richmond a diverse community.”
Visitors can expect to see Kendall Gender, winner of Vancouver’s Next Drag Superstar 2017, as the emcee of the event.
The showcase will open up with a welcome speech from May Shaw, of the Musqueam Nation.
The showcase itself will feature: Miss Gina Tonic; Gay Sha; Lea Ven; Detta; Rich Elle; as well as other local performers.
The association will have rainbow refreshments, a selfie wall, as well as an LGBTQ2S history display.
An additional highlight to the event is an art display presented by Pippa Scott, a documentary photographer.
The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the City Centre Community Centre.
For more information, visit Richmond.ca/PrideWeek
