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2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Board welcome

t is often said the one the constant in life, is change; well 2021 was the quote personified. A year that had so many moving targets meant that the small but mighty team of passionate staff at Pride were literally changing venues and meeting new health expectations 24 hours before events. Lead by our talented and thoughtful Executive Director, Andrea Arnot, we were able to provide a combination of in person and online events through the summer.

Like the year before it, COVID required us to think differently and kind of created opportunities to do things differently. With an on-going commitment to inclusion, diversity and inclusion, new partnerships allowed for some new events and existing events were richer for the diversity of performers and attendees. It felt good to know that so many artists in the community were able to work and bring value to venues across the city.

On the cover Jason Pillay (@jasonpillay) at VanPrideFest in Jonathan Rogers Park. This photo was taken at Together Again, VanPrideFest’s QTBIPOC event. 2

Ivy Edad photo

LEFT: VPS staff and board celebrating the holidays. TOP: Executive Director Andrea Arnot and Board Secretary John Whistler. Like many organizations, the year was not without its challenges but we are very proud of the way in which staff, board and volunteers navigated them with grace and integrity. The biggest change for Pride came at the end of a successful season, saying farewell to our amazing Executive Director. Andrea worked diligently to successfully create a sustainable organization and build a staff team to support the vision of the organization. We wish her the best and know that her work in the community will continue, just in a new way. ● Michelle Fortin and Catherine Jenkins VPS Board Co-chairs

2021 Board and Staff

Volunteers In 2021...

113 dedicated and passionate volunteers gave...

over 1,500 hours of their time to make Vancouver Pride 2021 happen.

Some VPS staff and Board members at the 2021 Volunteer Appreciation Party.

BOARD

Catherine Jenkins Co-Chair Michelle Fortin Co-Chair Abdollah Fooladhkai Treasurer John Whistler Secretary Orene Askew Director Claire Ens Director Masa Kateb Director

With thanks to directors that served at the beginning of the year: Darius Maze Treasurer Nicola Spurling Director Danny Ramadan Director Azza Rojbi Director

STAFF

14, 2

A special thank you to the following contractors who assisted us with our Pride season: Eduardo Ottoni Event Production Jack Fox Virtual Content Production Jess Buckoltz Technical Support Kaschelle Thiessen Pride Magazine Mike Keeping Virtual Content Production Nadine Hajjaj Graphic Design and Illustrations Tara Rafiq Graphic Design

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Andrea Arnot Executive Director Doug Craig Managing Director PLANNING Renita Manj Operations Manager 1 9 Madison Holding Events Manager Serene Carter Community Engagement Manager Ben Lange Communications Manager Josephine Gray Exhibitor Services Coordinator Jade Weekes Talent Coordinator Glenn Stensrud Partnership Coordinator Ivy Edad Communications Coordinator Ronald Sz Volunteer Coordinator

VPS Staff, Board and Volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Party. Ivy Edad photo During Pride weekend, VPS had positions available all over the city as our events were spread widely with our Virtual Parade, three Pride Lounges, eight Pride Art Walk locations, and VanPrideFest at Jonathan Rogers Park. We were able to create a variety of roles so there was something that was accessible for everyone who wanted to volunteer! To show our appreciation, volunteers were invited to an end of season party at Moxies Bar & Grill on Davie Street, where volunteers participated in Pride bingo, karaoke and had a chance to win awesome prizes donated by different organizations. The highlight at the appreciation party was a marriage proposal of two long term volunteers. We are so grateful to have been a part of their love story! ●

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming season Please contact volunteercoordinator@vancouverpride.ca

Accessibility and inclusion

• VanPrideFest (in-person event) had a dedicated accessibility volunteer who monitored the accessible seating zone, ensured folks outside of the zone who needed seating were given chairs, handed out water, hand sanitizer and earplugs when needed, and supported guest experiences.

2021 Initiatives TD, the VPS official Accessibility Partner, funded core accessibility initiatives in 2021 including ASL & captioning. Due to COVID-19 VPS pivoted to a hybrid of small-scale in-person events and digital platforms, the majority of which were live-streamed video. All streams were free and available to watch on Facebook Live, Twitch, YouTube and on the VPS website. A multi-platform approach was selected to allow the end user to select the platform they felt most comfortable with. Most virtual events were made available on Facebook and YouTube for community members to access after they premiered. The challenges presented by COVID-19 meant that it was difficult to reach members of our communities who do not have digital access. In 2021, we published the second edition of Pride Magazine, a full-length magazine full of poetry and editorial. To reach folks who do not use or have access to devices, we shipped the magazine free of charge to approximately 150 individuals and partners Canada-wide and distributed it in 6 physical locations including Little Sisters Bookstore. This helped extend our reach beyond digital spaces to bring a little Pride into the homes of our communities. The 2021 summer season was our most accessible event season yet. With hybrid programming and more intimate venue settings, VPS was able to offer a variety of opportunities for different audiences to engage and access Pride events. In early July, VPS again contracted Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods

• VanPrideFest (in-person event) was located on grass. A supplier was contracted to install ground covering to ensure guests could access the event site, including shaded seating area and wheel-chair washroom unit. A gated area with privacy mesh was also set up to create more privacy for guests accessing this facility.

American Sign Language interpretation at VanPrideFest. Ivy Edad photo to work with them to further consult on our 2021 programming, event plans and website updates. Some accessibility initiatives from 2021 include: • Guaranteed ASL interpretation for 20 events • ASL interpretation by request for a further 42 events • Full accessibility information listed on every ticket page, including description of seating and table heights, washroom information, type of ground to be navigated and aisle widths, menu/dietary

“I thought that the online events were incredibly well designed with accessibility in mind.” 4

options, public transportation and drop off zones, detailed facilities on-site and how to book accessibility seating zones.

“The interpreters were so enthusiastic and amazing and the performances were so much fun.” —2021 attendee feedback survey responses

• A variety of programming choices were made available, including low sensory programming at lower decibels and quiet breaks between performances. We engaged with a local organization called Music Heals to offer a hands-on sensory music experience, free of charge. • All virtual programming was free to access, all 11 events at Jonathan Rogers Park were free but by registration for capacity reasons, and all Pride Lounge events were low-cost ($10) tickets. • A percentage of passes were distributed to community organizations, such as QMUNITY and Last Door Recovery. • Staff offered a phone-in box office option as an alternative for guests who do not have internet access or were unable to reserve an in-person event ticket online. A valuable takeaway from our experience programming small-scale events was that this style of programming was accessible to people who haven’t attended our events before, or had stopped attending because the crowds, venue size and noise was a deterrent. This is a valuable learning opportunity for us and our future programming choices. ● Funded by:

Decentralized Parade

his year’s virtual Parade was a combination of virtual entries submitted by various organizations, intertwined with live hits from around Vancouver. By posting photos to Instagram with the hashtag #VanVirtualPride, folks had a chance to be featured in the live broadcast which was held at Mahony’s Tavern in False Creek. VPS deployed three reporters at our event sites including Yogi Omar at VanPrideFest, Joan-E at Craft Beer Market plus Kendall Gender at different locations in the Downtown and West End. The goal of this decentralized Parade was to encourage our communities to celebrate Pride and take up space on Pride day, no matter where they were. Folks submitted videos and photos of them having watch parties in their homes, chilling at the beach, and even having their own parades across the city. ● Video Editor: Jack Fox Previous Parade Footage: Traxstars Entertainment Inc. Live Broadcast & Production: Hubcast Media Productions

Supported by: Photo submissions for the Decentralized Parade. Top: Polonia Inclusive photo Left: Harmony Bongat photo

Pride Lounges D

uring Pride week, VPS hosted the community at three pop up lounges. The largest venue was the Vizzy Lounge at šxʷənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square. The Stoli Lounge was across from Jim Deva Plaza along with the Pride Lounge at Stanley Park Brewpub. Tickets were sold in advance, with additional tickets released based on changes from BC Health governing outdoor venues. Our entertainment coordinator worked hard to secure a diverse line of BIPOC artists for the stage. Over 50 2SLGBTQAI+ performers graced these stages with dance numbers, DJ sets, acoustic performances and more. 2,600 attendees were able to experience these events over the course of two weekends. ● Event Partners:

Scarlette Rose performing at the Stanley Park Brewpub Pride Lounge. Ivy Edad photo

VanPrideFest

Performers from Commercial Drag at VanPrideFest. Ivy Edad photo

ith the approval of provincial health, VPS carefully planned an outdoor event space at Jonathan Rogers Park in Mt Pleasant. The festival site was divided into sections, one a walk-through market with community and artisan booths, and another, a fenced performance area that could host attendees, physically distanced in their small groups to picnic under the shade of patio umbrellas and enjoy 2SLGBTQAI+ programming. 11 unique timeslots were programmed into the three day festival, with attendees registering for free online to insure capacity restrictions were met (originally 50 persons, which we were able to increase to 100). Programming was curated to appeal to different facets of our communities. Opening night included a Beyond the Binary Picnic celebrating gender diverse and Trans folks, The Power of Music, a hands on music-making sensory experience with a trained music therapist, and Together Again, a timeslot exclusively curated by and for Queer, Trans and Indigenous People of Colour. This particular date was particularly rough going on the

event crews and vendors due to the forecasted heat wave, and we experienced low attendance during daylight hours. We were able to bounce back on Saturday, with programming that included a morning Teddy Bear Picnic hosted by QueerProv, an Ace & Aro Prom celebrating and creating space for members of the Asexual and Aromantic communities, an afternoon sit-in event hosted by VPS community partner Vancouver Dyke March, and the much-anticipated Clean Sober Proud celebration to top of the evening, curated and hosted by Last Door Recovery. Pride Sunday started bright and early with a free wellness and yoga event, followed by a general Pride picnic where Parade host Yogi Omar filmed a live feed for the Decentralized Parade broadcast that was being aired simultaneously. The weekend ended on a high note with stand-out drag performances from Sleepy Queer Productions who produce the popular annual Commercial Drag events in Vancouver. VanPrideFest provided 63 local artists with paid performance opportunities, and

showcased a variety of talent from the 2SLGBTQAI+ community in Vancouver. Guest speakers from each of the three host nations opened Friday evening programming which was a sold out show. The walk-through market area hosted 23 local organizations and artisans including QMUNITY, Health Initiative for Men, SAIGE Community Food Bank and Family Services of the North Shore resource booths. Vancouver Coastal Health operated a pop-up vaccination clinic on site, and a couple of VPS’ long-serving food vendors dished up barbecue and teriyaki treats while supporting our event volunteers with free meals. ●

Event partners:

Pride Art Walk The longest event of our season, Pride Art Walk beckoned everyone to get outside with their friends and engage in a self-guided art tour. Following our theme Choose Your Pride, each artist brought their own perspective of what Pride means to them. This year’s Pride Art Walk featured nine art pieces including two murals, four interactive sculptures, and three installations curated by Sammi Wei on behalf of Vancouver Mural Festival. Participants were encouraged to dress up in their brightest and best Pride outfits, take photos and show their pride while using the VPS app to move through the West End and Downtown Vancouver. ●

1. All Flowers Deserve to Play by semillites hernández velasco 2. It’s Fun to Sway at the YMCA by Zandi Dandizette 3. Purrride by Galactikitty 4. Step with Me by Tangible Interaction 5. Strut 2018 by Marti Boiven & Karen Oldridge 6. Summer of Pride by John Velton Photos by Luke Miller, Gabriel Martins and Andrea Arnot Special thanks to all of the artists:

It’s Fun to Sway at the YMCA by Zandi Dandizette All Flowers Deserve to Play by semillites hernández velasco Purrride by Galactikitty Strut 2018 by Marti Boiven & Karen Oldridge Summer of Pride by John Velton Queer Heritage Vancouver by @QueerHeritageVan Love Seats by IKEA Canada in collaboration with Bianca Daniela Nachtman, Charlotte Carbone, Ali Haider & Madison Van Rijn

Step with Me by Tangible Interaction Divine Love by Christina Hryc aka Boots

Event Partners:

Installation Partners:

40+ years of Vancouver Pride History

Drag Deliveries

Behind the scenes interviewing Shawn Ewing. Michael Keeping photo

e had so much fun doing it last year, we decided to do it AGAIN! Every day during Pride week we took to the streets to deliver swag and products from our sponsors. A different location was announced each day and fans had to find us and answer queer trivia to win (occasionally with a bit of help). It was a week of fun and foolishness as we encouraged fans to watch the mayhem during the LIVE Facebook stream from 4-5pm. It was an upbeat way to engage with people in the Downtown & West End and everyone adored our drag hosts while sharing their favorite memory of Pride in Vancouver. ● Event partners:

he night before Pride week, and the official Proclamation at City Hall, our virtual audience travelled back in time as they tuned into a replay of the documentary 40+ Years of Vancouver Pride History (which first aired on VPS channels last season). Viewers learned about the first documented lesbian march, which happened before the first official Pride Parade, and heard stories from various community members about their experiences with Pride in Vancouver. ●

Produced by: Event partners:

Pride Proclamation and Queer Micro Weddings at City Hall

n Monday, July 26, representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish and TsleilWaututh Nations gave welcomes and Mayor Kennedy Stewart read the Pride Week Proclamation to city councillors, staff and VPS representatives to mark the start of Vancouver Pride’s 2021 season. This event was live streamed. On this special day, VPS also partnered with the City of Vancouver once again to marry seven 2SLGBTQAI+ couples in front of 13 guests. VPS provided decor, the opportunity for the wedding parties to have a BudLight toast, an officiant, and a wedding photographer. Special thanks to Sister Festivus Illuminata for officiating, Debut Event Designs for providing decor, and to photographer Lung Liu. ●

Couple Guanfeng & Ying getting married. Lung Liu photo

Queer History Panel

PS partnered with Traxstars Entertainment Inc once again to produce the 2021 Queer History Panel. The panel brought 5 new community members to the forefront while they shared their personal experiences about being 2SLGBTQAI+. The panelists spoke about coming out, their opinions on the evolution of Pride, and about how their first Parade experience made them feel. The panel was emotional and unique, and VPS plans to continue capturing these stories into the future. ● Panelists: Chrissy Taylor, Al Houston, Travis Angus, Fatima Jaffer, and T. Moderated by: Michelle Fortin Produced by:

Panelists during the Queer History Panel.

Event partners:

2021 Symphonic Pride

PS and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra returned to the Orpheum stage to produce a visually and acoustically stunning virtual event. Associate Conductor Andrew Crust curated the events and orchestral arrangements for members of the VSO to accompany local 2SLGBTQAI+ performers including works by Rodney Sharman, and spoken word storytelling from artists Dave Davey Decarlo and Kai Cheng. Highlights include The Pronoun Symphony (Sharman) which was performed by guest artist Teiya Kasahara and was pre-released as a teaser for the online concert. ● Two fierce competitors walk the “Labels” category.

The Posh Ball

Associate Conductor Andrew Crust and guest artist Teiya Kasahara. Event partners:

2021 saw the second annual Kiki Ball—a voguing competition presented by Van Vogue Jam during Pride Week. The Posh Ball brought over 100 international competitors walking with their best looks, moves and attitudes. Judges included Father Dutch Constantine, Luz 007, Bhenji Ra Juicy Couture and Princess Flora. In the weeks leading up to the event, VVJ and VPS hosted weekly interviews sessions with members of the Ballroom community. We would like to thank the team at Van Vogue Jam for hosting such an interactive, thoughtful and engaging virtual event for the second year in a row. ● Event partner: 9

Peace-Building and International LGBTIQ Human Rights

Rabbit Richards hosting Writers Showcase in the VPS studio.

Writers Showcase

riters Showcase was back for the second year and was hosted and curated by Rabbit Richards! Our hybrid season allowed us to showcase a variety of talented writers and illustrators whose books were recently published. We hope to continue this event moving forward to continue to highlight and provide a space for 2SLGBTQAI+ creators to showcase their new work. ● Event partner:

he Dignity Coalition and Fierté Canada Pride partnered with several pride organizations across the country to host multiple global human rights dialogues. This event was hosted by Jaqueline O’Neill, Canada’s First Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. Panelists: • Susana Peralta, Feminist activist focussing on LGBTQ-inclusive peace-building at Columbia Diversa, Columbia • Fernando Us Alvarez, Pan American Development Foundation, Guatemala • Noor Sultan, Executive Director Bedayaa Organization, Sudan (narrated video presentation) Virtual attendees of this zoom webinar were able to have their questions interpreted in English, Spanish and French. ASL interpretation of the full webinar was also available. ● Event partners:

Pride classroom series

fter much positive feedback in 2020 on our workshop series, we hosted another five free, virtual workshops. Topics ranged from Gender and Sexuality 101 to Intermediate Anti-Racist Fundamentals. The workshops were hosted virtually, had a variety of ways to participate and ASL interpretation was provided. We would like to thank our workshop facilitators, ASL interpreters and Natalie Ord, our tech whiz for sharing their knowledge and skills! ● Event partners:

Drag Story Time with Mina Mercury and Justin Abit

virtual rendition of Drag Story Time returned in 2021 with two episodes. The first featured Mina Mercury’s reading of You Matter (by Christian Robinson) and Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress (by Christine Baldacchino) and the second hosted by local drag king Justin Abit, who shared two staff-picks Phoenix Goes to School (by Michelle and Phoenix Finch) and My Maddy (by Gayle E. Pitman). Additional family-viewing content was broadcast throughout the week including popular Treehouse show Miss Persona. In one of the episodes generously donated by Corus Entertainment, Miss Persona and friends attend their first Pride Parade and celebrate all kinds of love. Drag Story time book readings included ASL interpretation. ● Event partners:

TimeOUT

Left: Fonda Vit and Scarlett Rosé playing Queens Cup. Right: Jaylene Tyme and Barb Snelgrove having High Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

till focusing on a general self-care model, the TimeOUT Series went to a whole new level this year. Viewers were able to learn new things, and laugh while watching our staff, community partners and performers undertake ridiculous games and challenges while honouring our corporate partners. Some of the highlights include, a Bud Light taste test with the Vancouver Pups and Handlers, a Vizzy fortune teller game with Lez See The World, plus a game of Stoli Queens Cup with drag performers Fonda Vit and Scarlett Rose. Of course we can’t forget the fan favorite TimeOUT Test Kitchen with Serene, cooking with the aid of Stanley Park Brewpub lager and Glenn Tkach from Really Gay History Tour who took fans on a drive about with Dilawri Auto explaining some of Vancouver’s queer history. Several TimeOUTs took a trip to the luxurious side of life with the help of Fairmont Hotels. Performer Jaylene Tyme checked

into the Fairmont YVR Vancouver and then moved to Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for High Tea with a friend. The fabulous Carlotta Gurl visited Arc restaurant at Fairmont Hotel Waterfront for an exquisite bottomless brunch and a freshly made rosemary cocktail. Lastly, Kendall Gender checked into the Fairmont Pacific Rim with her ultimate self care checklist in hand, ready for a soak in the tub and a nice foot massage. ●

Event partners:

11 PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

QTBIPOC Programming 2

021 was an exciting year for our QTBIPOCcentred programming. In April 2021, we had our first ever Two-Spirit Pride event, organized by Jeffrey McNeil Seymour. The event included a sharing circle for community members, and a separate evening event with Ilona Verley, a local Two-Spirit drag artist. April also held our QTBIPOC Talent Show filled with 2SLGBTQAI+ performers. VPS also co-hosted a QTBIPOC Film Night with the Queer Film festival. Both Together Again and our partnered film night were open solely to QTBIPOC attendees. Aside from our own programming, our bursary fund supported multiple QTBIPOC-centred events and organizers during Pride season including Normie Corp, Afroqueer, and the Queer Flower Fight.

TOGETHER AGAIN at VanPrideFest TOGETHER AGAIN co-presented by LEVEL UP YVR was a QTBIPOC-CENTRED hip hop dance party with DJs, gogo dancers and drag performances. What was once a monthly event before the pandemic hit, Level Up is known for being an extraordinary community hot spot filled with queer talent, abundant joy, connection, and Black music. Recognizing the need for and the importance of QTBIPOC spaces, Level Up sets out to put racialized folks to the front. TOGETHER AGAIN was one of the most anticipated curated timeslots at VanPrideFest and sold out in minutes. A representative from each of the Host Nations (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh) gave welcomes at the beginning of TOGETHER AGAIN, and had their flags featured at PrideFest throughout the weekend. ●

Top: Attendees at TOGETHER AGAIN. Ivy Edad photo. Bottom: Orene Askew, a VPS Board Member and Squamish Nation Councilor standing beside freshly printed Pride Flags from Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish nations at VanPride Fest.

Community Partners We would like to thank our Community Partners for their continued support and participation. Community Partners are 2SLGBTQAI+ serving organizations who either produce their own programming, are actively involved in advocacy work and/or support VPS year-round. Without their dedication, our Pride festivities would look extremely different. We truly appreciate every single one of our Community Partners for the care, excitement and fabulousness they bring to VPS! ● AfroQueer Asexual Outreach BC Center For Disease Control The Vancouver Dyke March and Festival FlyGirl Forbidden Vancouver Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society Health Initiative for Men JQT Vancouver Last Door Recovery Centre Level Up Music Heals Musqueam Indian Band Out On Screen

Out On The Shelves PFLAG Pride at Work QMUNITY Queer Arts Festival Queerprov Rainbow Refugee Saige Community Food Bank Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Sleepy Queers Productions Squamish Nation Pride Council Tsleil-Waututh Nation Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba Vancouver Dyke March and Festival

Bursary Fund Our low barrier bursary fund continues to be highly accessed by a variety of 2SLGBTQAI+ organizers and community members. This year we were able to support 11 organizations with bursaries ranging between $500-$2,500. ● Salam Canada QMUNITY Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods Trans Day of Remembrance "Vancouver" AfroQueer Burnaby Pride

Zoombafoolish Normie Corp Aging with Pride Out on Screen Greater Vancouver Native Cultural Society

“Thank you so much for the bursary. We were able to pay performers 50-150% above industry average for their work as well as cover our operating costs.” —2021 bursary recipient

Corporate Partnerships

Ivy Edad photo

or the past nine seasons, the Partnership Coordinator has curated custom programs for our corporate investors. Sometimes this process can take longer while awaiting partners to coordinate with their ad agency or brand activation team. At the start of the pandemic, most of our corporate partners suspended their on-site engagement programs. This trend continued in 2021 with only one sponsor deploying a roaming brand team. As a result the VPS team had to get creative and offer to deploy brand assets such as signage or product giveaways. Since taking over the corporate portfolio in 2013, the Partnership Coordinator has generated a total of $3,943,441 in revenue for VPS.

2017 Partnership revenue 2018 Partnership revenue 2019 Partnership revenue 2020 Partnership revenue 2021 Partnership revenue

with multi-year contracts made up about 70% of annual sponsor revenue. This shows that multi-year contracts are an effective strategy that supports VPS while allowing partners to plan & budget for each season. VPS also received more in-kind product & services in 2021 with an estimated value of $44,000. Our office was stacked full of products and branded promotional swag along with gift cards, driver credits and hotel accommodations. Tourism continues to be one of the hardest hit industries by COVID-19, so it was no surprise we did not see an investment from previous partners: Vancouver Airport Authority and Air Canada were unable to renew. These partners are unlikely to restore their full community budget in time for our 2022 season. The only major investment in this sector was from Fairmont Hotels which was primarily in-kind but high enough to be featured as a Bronze partner. The restaurant & food service industry continues to face many challenges, with most owners focused on how to reopen their business as BC moved to lift pandemic restrictions. While some reached out to us in June and July, their investment budget was limited to gift cards since any marketing budget had been allocated to operations. The partnership coordinator negotiated over $3,000 in gift cards from several large restaurant chains which were used for contests to help drive viewers to our virtual programming. ●

$445,300 $502,190 $676,200 $481,500 $616,000

Last season several partners either cancelled or dialed back their commitment however support was strong in 2021. The VPS team started planning the 2021 season much earlier and created a mix of virtual and in-person events. This allowed us to provide exposure through multiple events resulting in good value for corporate investors. However, it still required having to re-pitch all our existing sponsors to maintain rather than cut the budget they had committed. The Partnership Coordinator worked extensively with the VPS team to develop a special Rainbow package. As such we secured numerous small “C” companies who typically only pay for a parade entry. Once again, partners

Glenn Sten photo

Fundraising V

PS offers a variety of micro grants to support community organizers who serve marginalized communities along with smaller pride organizations in BC. Due to the pandemic, VPS was unable to host 2 major fundraising events: Unicorn Ball and Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast. During the 2021 fiscal year, several businesses raised funds and awareness for Vancouver Pride Community Bursaries. We are thankful for their efforts!!

Stanley Park Brewing Stanley Park Brewing was thrilled to have donated all proceeds from their Rainbow Riot Sangria Beer and Stanley Park Brewing merchandise towards the VPS’s Community Bursary Fund. As a long-time sponsor, Stanley Park Brewing was excited to kick off Pride week by hosting an Official Pride Lounge for three days. Before Pride season, their Head Brewer Bennie Dingemanse and assistant brewer Rachel Young took on the challenge of creating the perfect brew: Sangria Beer. The brew team added copious amounts of grapes, berries, citrus and tropical fruits, creating a Rainbow Riot of flavours which was exclusively available all week long at the Stanley Park Brewing Pride Lounge.

Skip the Dishes Once again Skip The Dishes encouraged all proud foodies to support their local Pride festival! They are committed to celebrating with the 2SLGBTQAI+ community while cultivating partnerships with groups across the country that take action and inspire social change. During the month of June, when users checked out with VANPRIDE21, Skip automatically donated $3. This year’s campaign was a major success and allowed VPS to continue to provide festival programming and maintain funding of our bursary program. We also gave away $100 Skip The Dishes gift cards during the Decentralized Pride Parade and on Instagram. We are thrilled to see so many people in BC order delivery from Skip and hopefully you enjoyed it outdoors with friends.

YYOGA This summer YYOGA donated a total of $760 to the Pride Bursary Fund. The money was raised from a virtual by-donation class led by their awesome teacher Connor Roff. Guests were invited to bring a partner or a friend to practice virtually as they opened our hearts and #movedtogether!

Fairmont Hotels Vancouver Whether it was a staycation or road trip, Canadian travelers celebrated Pride all summer long with Fairmont Hotels in Vancouver! When booking a LOVE IS LOVE package, plus adding a late check-out, $50 was donated to VPS, truly giving new meaning to Come Sleep With Us! Fairmont Hotels also donated proceeds from several rainbow culinary events including Drag Brunch. Over $1,200 was received from these two cause campaigns.

CRAFT Beer Market During Parade day at CRAFT Beer Market, proceeds from the JoanE Mule drink special resulted in $270 for the LOUD Foundation Pride Youth Scholarship. These scholarships make education accessible to JoanE addresses guests at Craft Beer our 2SLGBTQAI+ youth Market. Glenn Sten photo leaders! During the event JoanE said, “I’m not sure how I feel about Craft naming this drink a JoanE MULE but order it anyway because it tastes great and it all goes to a good cause.”

Backcountry Brewing For the entire month of August, Darby’s Pub and Backcountry Brewing worked together to fundraise for VPS. For every Backcountry beer sold, a $1 was donated to VPS and was matched by Darby’s Pub for a total of a $600 donation to VPS! We would like to thank Backcountry Brewing and Darby’s for making this possible! ●

Growing Audiences Pride 2021 generated a spike in overall growth and this year’s engagements, as well as post impressions and website sessions. Website sessions increased by 243% compared to 2020 and out of 63,297 unique website users, 10,399 clicked through from social media—representing 16% of all users. By centering our campaigns on joy and true reflections of the 2SLGBTQAI+ community, we connected with our audiences, deeply and meaningfully. ●

In 2021...

Social Media Growth: 7,583

Facebook Followers: 15,700

Twitter Followers: 11,000

Instagram Followers: 11,939

Total Event Views Summer Series 1: 4,130

Drag Deliveries Thurs: 1,936

Summer Series 2: 3,832

Drag Deliveries Fri: 2,828

Queer History Panel: 5,590

Miss Persona 1: 3,449

40 Years of VPS: 688

Miss Persona 2: 3,961

Posh Ball: 1,815

Drag Story Time 1: 2,116

Pride Proclamation: 2,384

Drag Story Time 2: 370

Drag Deliveries Mon: 2,215

Symphonic Pride: 4,485

Drag Deliveries Tues: 2,529

VanVogueJam Interview Series: 625

Drag Deliveries Wed: 1,634

Decentralized Pride Parade

On the day of the Decentralized Pride Parade, VPS encouraged our community to gather with their bubbles and celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them. The Decentralized Pride Parade showed small groups and friends gathering to watch the virtual event together. Parade hosts were based in different sites, like VanPrideFest, Stoli Pride Lounge, Craft Beer Market, and the main hub Mahony’s Tavern. This activated many areas around the city that gave the 2SLGBTQAI+ community the agency to choose their Pride. Total Views: 2,133

Total Event Views per Platform Facebook: 75,401 Instagram: 3,898 YouTube: 723 Twitch: 339

Top Places Facebook Content Was Viewed From Canada Mexico Australia Germany Philippines

United States United Kingdom Brazil Japan Taiwan

General Website Results This year, our website content uplifted 2SLGBTQAI+ small businesses, and

In true hybrid season spirit, most of our events and content were streamed on multiple online platforms. Our audience was given the option to choose which platforms they wanted to use like Facebook Live, YouTube, TwitchTV, or through vancouverpride.ca/live.

hosted contests to generate traffic. Website sessions increased by 243% compared to 2020 and out of 63,297 unique website users, 10,399 clicked through from social media—representing 16% of all users. Page views: 165,105 Sessions: 85,780 Users: 63,025

Top Places Website Was Viewed From Canada China United Kingdom Bangladesh Chile

United States Ireland Australia Brazil Germany

Follow us online to get notifications about new videos and learn about upcoming events, VPS news, opportunities to get involved, local issues impacting LGBTQAI2S+ communities and more. Facebook @VancouverPrideSociety Instagram @VancouverPride Twitter @VancouverPride Twitch @VancouverPride YouTube Vancouver Pride Society

Pride Publications VanPrideFest

Presented by

REQUIRED TICKETS LEFT—REGISTRATION JULY 30-AUGUST 1 // LIMITED has it all!

t? VanPrideFest Family friendly picnic with live entertainmen Looking for drag? Yoga? Music? with community partners at a series of free, open-air programming and Vancouver Pride Society has curated during your time slot! COVID-19 protocols register your bubble, and attend Jonathan Rogers Park. Pick an event, with all provincial health regulations. safety plans will be in place in line

Teddy Bears Family Picnic

12-2 p.m. A gathering for Trans, Enby, Genderqueer, Genderfluid, Agender, and folks outside allies. the binary, with their friends and the enterYou bring the snacks, we'll bring gathtainment! Join us for a chill outdoor ering in the beautiful summer sunshine. Performers to be announced!

9-11 a.m. improv Canada’s premiere 2SLGBTQAI+ of troupe, QueerProv, will guide children song, all ages through a morning of story, and imagination! Wear your favourite out for costumes to watch in style. Look drag guest performances from beloved artist Karmella Barr.

Pride Wellness

9-11 a.m. Sponsored by Lululemon Let's Join us for our Pride Wellness slot! are and celebrate every aspect of who we care. start Pride Sunday off right by taking stand Celebrate your rainbow warrior and strong in your truth!

Ace & Aro Prom in the Park

The Power of Music

3-5 p.m. and Making music together cultivates Heals strengthens community. Join Music the in partnership with VPS as we explore healing power of music in an interactive, this music-making experience. Join in to musical cacophony as you contribute No bubble. your with a performance piece music experience necessary. Let’s make together!

12-2 p.m. // with ASL interpretation afternoon Join fellow Aces & Aros for a chill second queer prom-themed picnic! From perfect hand wedding dresses and prom wear tuxes to sweat pants and sweaters, blanpicnic Bring best. feel what makes you shade kets and snacks, we will provide the Ace and entertainment! This event centres welcome. & Aros—friends, family, and allies & Aros. Co-presented with Vancouver Aces

Dyke March Sit-In

TOGETHER AGAIN

6-8 p.m. // with ASL interpretation Level Up is known for being an extraorwith dinary community hot spot filled queer talent, abundant joy, connection, and Black music. Founder DJ Softieshan headlines every show with her signature the Recognizing upbeat, feel-good sets. Level Up importance of QTBIPOC spaces, the front. sets out to put racialized folks to TOGETHER AGAIN is by and for members of QTBIPOC communities.

VanPrideFest Access Information Accessibility information is updated confirmed at vancouverpride.ca/ /accessibility

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1

SATURDAY, JULY 31

FRIDAY, JULY 30 Beyond the Binary Picnic

Accessibility at this event has been planned in consultation with Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods. canbc.org

3-5 p.m. // with ASL interpretation a parade. We often say we’re a protest, not This year we’re just protesting sitting for down! Join the Vancouver Dyke March music a sit-in featuring spoken word and who are to hold space and celebrate folks marginalized within the queer community. Bring signs! Sit down! Speak up!

On view at Partners in Redress & Decolonization

Funded by

ERS.COM

809 DAVIE • 604-684-4861 • TOPDRAW

12-2 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. for live Join us in-person on Parade day are music, drag and sunshine. Spaces so limited for the 12pm and 3pm timeslots food make sure you book early! Visit the sure to trucks or BYO snacks, and make and bring your favourite picnic blanket restream flag capes! Don’t worry, you can get the Decentralized Parade when you home!

Book & Art Emporium

Commercial Drag

6-8 p.m. // with ASL interpretation Join us in the park for an outrageous Commercial Drag experience. We Drag have assembled an epic array of Expect Performers in the spirit of PRIDE. SCREAM! the unexpected and be ready to Co-presented with Sleepy Queers

OUR BOOKS | OUR BODIES | OUR

Productions.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Clean Sober Proud

6-8 p.m. with Enjoy Pride in a substance-free space Alma headliners and MCs Jaylene Tyme, Sober Bitches, and Kendall Gender. Clean with and Proud started as a small entry Parade Pride 2008 the in nine marchers floats, and has grown into award winning community outreach, and the annually Sober sold out show Untoxicated. Clean sober Proud is for those in recovery, the enjoy to wish curious, and those who Pride in a substance-free space.

UNDERWEAR • SWIMWEAR • ACTIVEWE

Sustaining Funders

Pride Picnic

ASL interpretation Check the schedule to see if your . timeslot offers ASL interpretation ASL interpretation is available by request for all other slots up to 10

DIVERSITY FOR ALL PEOPLES

days prior to the event.

e. Contact accessibility@vancouverprid ca or 604-687-0955 with any . questions or to book interpretation #ChooseYourPride 2021

LIVES

• GREETING CARDS ADULT TOYS & FETISH FANTASY OILS CLOTHING • LUBRICANTS & MASSAGE GIFTWARE & NOVELTY ITEMS RAINBOW GEAR & MUCH MORE! We are open for customer walk-ins & website orders 1983. Ser ving the needs of our city since

53 | littlesisters.ca 1238 Davie St.,Vancouver | 604.669.17 Mon-Sat: 10am-10pm/Sun: 11am-8pm 21

#ChooseYourPride 2021

ur 2021 Pride Magazine was curated by Kaschelle Thiessen and Rabbit Richards and included editorial content by 2SLGBTQAI+ writers, ads by partners and detailed listings of the season’s events. We printed over 5,000 magazines and directly mailed over 150 magazines to people across the country. Anyone could pick up the free magazine from local retailers

and community hubs. The digital version received over 20,000 impressions. This was the sixth year of our joint venture with Glacier Media who managed all advertising sales along with layout and design of the annual publication. Once again local business owners supported the publication which included 35 paid advertising inserts. ●

Media Partners V

PS negotiated $575,445 in promotional campaigns including TV, radio, newspaper and magazine campaigns along with multiple internet media outlets. That is a slight increase of $45,000 from last year. While media partners were enthusiastic supporters of our hybrid season, we typically receive more media coverage when staging in-person events. Pre-COVID-19 proposals in 2020 were valued at over $720,000 which were based on staging a regular season. This year, we allocated most of our promotional coverage to drive viewers to virtual events along with multiple contests to build VPS social channels. We are thankful for the generous campaigns provided by all our media partners big and small. ●

PREMIERE MEDIA PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

What’s next?

Unicorns, Sparkles and Balls, Oh my!

Costume Contest A Vancouver Pride Fundraiser

Dress in your most colourful, most sparkly unicorn costumes and outfits to dance the night away.

Most Creative Horniest Horn Best Group Costume

February 20, 2022 – 8pm-2am at The Imperial – 319 Main St.