Pride Proud 2024

PA IN RA C DE LU M DE A D P

PRIDE ! d u Pro June 2024

June is pride month Come celebrate with us!

Parade is Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 11:00am

2 | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | PRIDE Proud!

ADVERTISING FEATURE | TIMES COLONIST

Embrace Summer Comfort with Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre and Pacific Awnings

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s summer starts knocking on the door, we eagerly anticipate longer days, abundant sunshine, and the opportunity to enjoy our outdoor spaces. With the season’s warmth and bright light, managing indoor temperatures and privacy and protecting outdoor living areas becomes essential. Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre and Pacific Awnings stand out as leading providers of premium window coverings and patio coverings, ensuring comfort and style for homes and businesses alike.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED Inside & Out

CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS, CLOSETS, PATIO/DECK COVERS & MORE!

RBPACIFIC.CA

Ruffell & Brown Window Covering Centre, a trusted name in Victoria, BC, has been enhancing homes with highquality window treatments since 1987. Their extensive selection includes custom blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and closets, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Whether you aim to reduce glare, enhance privacy, improve energy efficiency, or reorganize your space, Ruffell & Brown offers tailored solutions that elevate the comfort and appeal of any home.

All under one roof, complementing the offerings of Ruffell & Brown is Pacific Awnings, a specialist in outdoor shading solutions. As the premier provider of patio coverings in Victoria, BC, Pacific Awnings helps transform outdoor spaces into comfortable, stylish retreats. Their product

range includes retractable awnings, louvered pergolas, patio covers and more, designed to provide shade and shelter without compromising on aesthetics.

Choosing Ruffell & Brown and Pacific Awnings means investing in quality, durability, and expert service. Visit their showrooms at 2745 Bridge Street in Victoria and 103-2520 Bowen Road in

Nanaimo which feature the latest designs and technologies, providing an interactive experience to help customers make informed decisions about their home improvement projects.

Th is summer, make the most of your living spaces with the help of Victoria’s leading providers of window and patio coverings!

PRIDE Proud! | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | 3

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Festival in the Park 2024

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Game lounge with Quazars, an inflatable bouncy castle, and an obstacle course. There will be a secured bike valet area and many more exciting features!

Visit victoriapridesociety. org/pride-2024/festival/ for more information and headliner announcements!

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food court with some of your favourite local eats. We have an alcoholic bar as well as a sober bar where they will be mixing up some special non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails!

Take advantage of the shaded areas in front of the stage or have a break in our quiet, lowsensory Chill Zone tent away from all the hustle and bustle.

The kid’s area will feature a stage with performances and Drag Storytime, crafts, a Video COLIN SMITH

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oin us on Sunday, July 7th, at McDonald Park in James Bay for an afternoon of Pride Festivities! The grounds will open at 11 AM with a quieter atmosphere and all vendors open and available for those who would like to enjoy the festival with lower stimulation.

Entertainment will kick off at 1 PM and we will have fabulous drag performers, DJs, and a host of other talented performers for you! We will showcase over 130 vendors as well as a large

4 | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | PRIDE Proud!

ADVERTISING FEATURE | TIMES COLONIST

Our Place Society

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he housing crisis in Victoria transcends mere shelter; for Our Place transitional housing resident Lwanga, its repercussions echo through every facet of her existence.

Lwanga is non-binary and came to Canada as a refugee from Uganda in 2019, where AntiLGBT sentiments are written law. As recently as April, courts in Uganda doubled down on extreme legislation criminalizing same sex conduct, restricting health care and housing access, and in some cases even allowing the death penalty.

“I came to Canada because it is the land of the free for LGBT!” she says, throwing her hands up and smiling.

Th is freedom was evident to her from the moment she arrived. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Lwanga’s first language is not English, she had no money, and no connections. She was homeless for several years.

In addition to homelessness and the isolation she felt in a new country, Lwanga had to manage a positive HIV diagnosis.

She says she was sick, but it is too hard for her even now to share what she experienced.

A few months ago, Lwanga came to My Place, Our Place Society’s transitional shelter.

Here, Lwanga has shelter, a bed, warm meals, and access to all of Our Place’s services.

She is grateful to receive antiretrovirals and is in good spirits about her future today.

“Everyone has been so nice to me,” she says of the outreach workers and staff at My Place.

When asked what she hopes for the future, Lwanga becomes quieter.

Even with her basic needs met, the stress of being unhoused takes a toll. She

knows she wants to return to school and speaks excitedly about having a private home where she can have her family from Uganda visit after all these years.

Due to the scarcity of housing in Victoria, Lwanga will likely have a long wait ahead for a home of her own. Thanks to Our Place Society, Lwanga will not only have essential care, but can foster the sense of hope and belonging she needs to get there.

You can donate to support Our Place family members like Lwanga at ourplacesociety.com/ donate

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Friends of Dorothy Pride Season FRIENDS OF DOROTHY PRIDE SEASON: • June 27 - Peaches' Palace, a BIPOC Pride Kick-off Variety Show at 8pm • June 28 - Drag Shows at 6:30pm & 9:30pm • June 29 - Drag Brunch at 11:30am, Drag Shows at 6:30pm & 9:30pm • June 30 - Big Sapphic Tea Party at 3pm, Karaoke at 8pm • July 1 - Live Music from Artemis & Zuber at 8pm • July 2 - Talent Tuesday Variety Show at 8pm • July 3 - House of Lola (YVR) drag show at 9pm • July 4 - Yellow Brick Comedy at 8pm • July 5 - Drag Shows at 6:30pm & 9:30pm • July 6 - Drag Brunch at 11:30am, Drag Shows at 6:30pm & 9:30pm • July 7 - Pride Wrap-Up Party & Drag Karaoke at 8pm

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tep through the emerald curtain and prepare to be entertained all Pride long!

Found in the heart of old-town on lower Johnson Street complete with original exposed brick and vibrant lounge decor - Friends of Dorothy is a staple of the Victoria queer scene and the perfect place to celebrate pride.

A proudly queer-owned venue, Dorothy's is known for its delicious cocktails, excellent food and unforgettable events.

With 18 special events planned throughout the pride season, let Friends of Dorothy be your onestop-shop for all things fabulous!

From drag shows to dance parties to live music & karaoke:

there's no place like Dorothy's.

With a cast of over 30 performers - from local legends to visiting drag icons from across Canada - Pride Season at Friends of Dorothy is not to be missed!

Reserve your table at fodlounge.com

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH FRIENDS OF DOROTHY! CELEBRA

537 Johnson Street Victoria Victoria’s premier queer cocktail lounge and restaurant Drag shows every Friday & Saturday Reserve your table at fodlounge.com Follow us @fodvictoria

6 | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | PRIDE Proud!

ADVERTISING FEATURE | TIMES COLONIST

Victoria Pride Society Marks 30 Years of Progress

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regardless of their background or identity, feels valued, supported, and safe."

Under the guidance of the new leadership team, the Victoria Pride Society is redoubling its efforts to engage with the community and broaden its impact beyond the traditional Pride festivities.

One of the key initiatives involves increasing community engagement through a series of events and outreach programs throughout the year.

"We believe that Pride is not just a once-a-year event; it's a year-round commitment to fostering inclusion and equity," explained Mann. "By hosting more events and initiatives, we hope to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and represented."

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ictoria, British Columbia – The Victoria Pride Society is gearing up to celebrate a monumental milestone this year as we mark 30 years of Pride parades in the heart of British Columbia's capital city. The society is not only commemorating its rich history but also embarking on a journey to further progress and expand its services to better serve the diverse community, particularly those most deserving of equity.

Since its inception three decades ago, the Victoria Pride Society has been a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance, championing the rights and visibility of gender, sexuality, and relationship diverse (GSRD) individuals in the region. Th is year's celebrations carry added significance as the society reflects on its past achievements and looks towards an even brighter future.

"The 30th anniversary of our Pride parades is a testament to the resilience and strength of our community," remarked Ace Mann, the President of the Victoria Pride Society. "As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the ongoing work needed to ensure that everyone,

In addition to expanding its event calendar, the Victoria Pride Society is also focusing on serving those who are often marginalized within the queer community, including Indigenous, Black, and other racialized individuals, as well as transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary (TNG) people.

"Our goal is to center the voices and experiences of those who have been historically

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overlooked or marginalized," stated Mann. "We recognize that true progress cannot be achieved until all members of our community feel seen, heard, and valued. As Marsha P Johnson said, ‘There is no liberation for some of us without liberation for all of us.’"

As part of its commitment to diversity and equity, the society is actively seeking input from community members to shape its future initiatives and programming.

Through collaborative efforts and partnerships with local organizations, the Victoria Pride Society aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Looking ahead, the society remains steadfast in its

dedication to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and promoting social justice in Victoria and beyond. With a renewed sense of purpose and under visionary leadership, the Victoria Pride Society is poised to embark on the next chapter of its journey towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

As preparations for this year's Pride festivities get underway, anticipation is building within the community for what promises to be a celebration of resilience, diversity, and unity.

As the Victoria Pride Society enters its fourth decade, one thing is clear: the legacy of Pride will continue to shine brightly in British Columbia's capital for years to come.

8 | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | PRIDE Proud!

ADVERTISING FEATURE | TIMES COLONIST

Esquimalt United Church

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ride means different things to different people. For some, the whole idea of Pride has been life changing.

Marie Curtis, a member of Esquimalt United Church, tells this story. “In 1987, I was living and working in a small Ontario

to attend the Metropolitan Community Church service that evening in Toronto. I could not even comprehend a church where gays and lesbians were invited to attend, let alone face the congregation. Sure enough, Rev. Brent Hawkes officiated and most attendees were my brothers and sisters. I was in heaven and did not have to die! Today I attend Esquimalt United where "whoever you are, wherever you are at, join us on the journey," and buddying love and acceptance comes with the breathing. It is a good time to be alive and safe to be ourselves.”

– Marie Curtis

town, hiding my sexual identity.

The laws at that time meant that I could be fired from work for being a lesbian and could be thrown out of my apartment for the same reason/excuse, without recourse. Somehow, I heard about the June Pride Parade in Toronto, and took the 6 AM train to get there. I had to see for myself if fellow gays and lesbians could, would, be openly public about their/our sexual identities. Lo and behold, there were hundreds in the parade and thousands on the sidewalks. I was astonished that the parade was allowed and JOYOUS! One group threw paper invitations into the crowd, inviting anyone

Happy Pride!

Whoever you are, Wherever you are, Join us on the journey.

Sunday Service at 10:30 AM 500 Admirals Rd, Victoria BC esquimaltunited@shaw.ca

FROM YOUR SOUTH ISLAND MLAS

Hon. Mitzi Dean

Hon. Rob Fleming

Hon. Grace Lore

Hon. Ravi Parmar

Hon. Lana Popham

Hon. Murray Rankin

MLA, ESQUIMALT METCHOSIN Mitzi.Dean.MLA @leg.bc.ca 250-952-5885

MLA, VICTORIA SWAN LAKE Rob.Fleming.MLA @leg.bc.ca 250-356-5013

MLA, VICTORIA BEACON HILL Grace.Lore.MLA @leg.bc.ca 250-952-4211

MLA, LANGFORD JUAN DE FUCA ravi.parmar.MLA @leg.bc.ca 250-391-2801

MLA, SAANICH SOUTH Lana.Popham.MLA @leg.bc.ca 250-479-4154

MLA, OAK BAY GORDON HEAD Murray.Rankin.MLA @leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528

PRIDE Proud! | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | 9

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LGBTQ2SIA+ Family Building in 2024

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spiring LGBTQ2SIA+ parents in British Columbia have more options than ever for building their families.

These include donor sperm and egg services, fertility preservation before genderaffirming care, surrogacy, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Researching potential clinics is essential, as finding the right one can significantly impact your success rate and overall experience. Look at the number of IVF cycles the clinic performs; a higher number often correlates with better success rates.

Additionally, inquire if the clinic has specific programs for LGBTQ2 families.

These programs can offer tailored support and resources to meet your unique needs.

The next step in creating your family

is to get a referral from a family doctor to a fertility specialist. In British Columbia, consultations and most testing are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP), which helps ease the financial burden.

At your initial consultation, your fertility specialist will discuss your family building options with you. There are various approaches to treatment, and your fertility specialist will help you determine what is best for you based on your test results and goals.

“For couples or individuals with eggs and a uterus, the process of getting pregnant can be straightforward,” says Dr. James Graham, a fertility specialist at Olive Fertility Victoria. “They can use a known or anonymous sperm donor and have monthly inseminations of sperm into their uterus

(IUI). Alternatively, they can choose IVF or reciprocal IVF, in which an egg is harvested from one partner, and the fertilized embryo is implanted in the other partner, allowing both parents to participate in the reproductive process.

For couples and individuals without eggs and a uterus, the process is more complicated, as they need to have donor eggs and IVF with a gestational carrier who has a uterus to carry the baby.”

Everyone’s path to parenthood is personal and unique. Take your time to explore your options, gather information, and build a support network. Connecting with local LGBTQ2 parenting groups can also provide valuable insights and emotional support.

Olive Fertility Victoria Celebrates Victoria Pride Week Olive Fertility Centre has been helping LGBTQ2SIA+ family groups and individuals grow their families for over 20 years. Inclusion of all gender and sexually diverse people is an important value of Olive Fertility Centre. We are continuously striving to create an environment of compassionate belonging.

Your Fertility Journey Every family building journey is unique, and we are honoured to help you find the best path to create your family. Your Olive doctor will go over your options with you at your initial consultation.

Your consultations with an Olive specialist and most fertility testing is covered by MSP with a referral from a family doctor.

IUI, IVF, DONOR EGG, DONOR SPERM, SURROGACY, GENETIC TESTING, EGG FREEZING, SPERM FREEZING

OLIVEFERTILITY.COM/VICTORIA

10 | TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2024 | PRIDE Proud!

ADVERTISING FEATURE | TIMES COLONIST

Happy Pride Victoria!

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oday we celebrate love and demonstrate our solidarity with one another.

To the 2SLGBTQ+ community, after a challenging year, I hope each and every one of you can share in the power of queer joy and community. Today and every day, you deserve to be safe being who you are without fear of persecution.

Today we celebrate your hard-fought victories, and we remember that pride has been and continues to be a protest.

2SLGBTQI+ people have been with us since time immemorial. In 2024, they are visible in our classrooms, in our parliaments, in our books and on our TV screens. This is real progress, but we must also remember that visibility without protection is a threat.

Policies that started in Florida are being copied by governments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. There are people in parliament who talk about freedom, but who want to stop you from being who you are. They want 2SLGBTQI+ people to hide, and they are using cruelty for their own gain.

We cannot let that happen.

Attacks on 2SLGBTQI+ people are an attack on all of us – everyone who has ever fought for the right to control their own body, everyone who has ever had to fight for their identity, everyone who has ever had their history erased and controlled.

As political leaders, we need to stand up against hate, but more than

that, we need to give 2SLGBTQI+ people the resources and supports they need to live a safe and healthy life. This includes gender affirming healthcare coverage, recognition in employment equity laws, unions to protect them in the workplace, targeted health and housing strategies to reduce inequalities, broader definitions of family in law, reform to asylum policy, supportive housing and other measures.

If you ever need help finding support for you or your loved ones in Victoria, please do not hesitate to reach out.

The NDP is proud to fight alongside you today, tomorrow, and every day after!

Happy Victoria Pride!

Laurel Collins MP for Victoria Laurel.Collins@parl.gc.ca 250-363-3600

Randall Garrison MP for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke Randall.Garrison@parl.gc.ca 250-405-6550

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Pride in the Word 2024 CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY www.bcnu.org

Proud to provide culturally safe and compassionate care to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

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oin us for a night of captivating Queer Literary Readings on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 7:30 - 10:30 PM with doors opening at 6:30 PM. We are thrilled to welcome many great writers and speakers who will be presenting their work for our community audience. eventbrite.ca/e/victoriapride-in-the-word-2024tickets-914930260037

VOLUNTEER WITH PRIDE IT TAKES ALMOST 300 VOLUNTEERS TO CREATE A SAFE, POSITIVE, AND INCLUSIVE VICTORIA PRIDE FESTIVAL!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE | TIMES COLONIST

VICTORIA PRIDE 2 0 2 4 Monday,

July 1

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Wednesday,

July 3rd Friday,

July 5

th

Drag Ball Vic West Park | 12pm - 3pm

Big Gay Dog Walk Banfield Park | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Pride In The World Victoria Conference Centre | Doors @ 6:30pm

th

Pride Parade

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Festival In The Park

Sunday,

July 7 Sunday,

July 7

Douglas at Fisgard | 11am - 12:30pm

McDonald Park | 11am - 6pm