Previous Pride Parade in Prince Albert. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Equality for Everyone

Pride Week set for celebration in P.A.

May 25, 2023 | 5:00 PM

People in Prince Albert are getting multiple opportunities to show their support for the local Pride community.

Pride Week is happening next week, May 28 to June 4, with several events being planned with the main goal being to show those who may be a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that they have allies in P.A.

Chelsea Bleau, chairperson for Prince Albert Pride, told paNOW many people still don’t feel comfortable being themselves and that’s what they want to change.

“It’s absolutely the reason why we have Pride. If (hateful) stuff didn’t happen we wouldn’t have an organization.”

Overall, Bleau said the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is well supported in the area; however, it doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Since becoming chair of P.A. Pride, they received hurtful messages from people on social media.

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One hurdle that’s popped up recently is the protests against children attending drag shows and their performers. There was a protest in Saskatoon in October 2022 after a drag queen took time to read to children.

Bleau explained this is a prime example of why so many are afraid to be themselves, especially in public. In their opinion, we are currently in a two-step forward, one-step back process.

“We’re still making progress, but there are bumps along the way,” they said.

As for Pride Week, events have been planned for seven of the eight days.

• Sunday (May 28): drumming by the riverbank starting at 2 p.m.
• Monday (May 29): virtual queer coffee.
• Tuesday (May 30): art classes at Mann Art Gallery starting at 6:30 p.m. Will include poster-making for Pride Parade.
• Wednesday (May 31): queer coffee at Rock and Iron’s ‘Tee Room’ with special guest John Brady McDonald starting at 7 p.m.
• Friday (June 2): gaming night at Wesmor Public High School starting at 5:30 p.m.
  The Pride Parade Route. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3. (Facebook/Prince Albert Pride)
• Saturday (June 3): Pride Parade starting at 11 a.m., followed by Pride in the Park starting at 1 p.m.
• Sunday (June 4): Calvary United Church Diversity service starting at 10:30 a.m.

“Everyone wants it to be so fun and so good… it’s going to be incredible, a really fun week,” added Bleau.

Meanwhile, people may see some signs with QR codes at different events.

People who scan them will be given information on how to be a good ally for people in the community. This is part of P.A. Pride’s Safe Spaces Campaign which officially launched this week.

In the future, the group plans on holding presentations for parents, and youth support groups, and hopefully having businesses take part in the program by placing a decal on their doors to show that everybody is welcome inside.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow