Yes, it’s true. Vancouver Pride is finally back – and the lineup for the 2022 Pride Festival just dropped. This year’s fest is aptly themed “Together Again,” in an effort to bring together as many members of the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities as possible in a safe, welcoming environment. Compared to last year’s fest, this one is sure to be a major celebration!
The importance of 2SLGBTQAI+ communities taking up space and gathering in person for the first time in three years cannot be overstated. Community-focused events like Vancouver’s Pride Parade and the Sunset Beach Festival create this space and invite everyone to the party!
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“COVID-19 has presented a number of challenges for event organizers like us as well as the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities that we serve,” says Lee Keple, Interim Executive Director of VPS. “To have our signature programming safely return to Vancouver, to see these communities coming together again to celebrate Pride—it’s something we’ve been waiting for and working towards for a long time.”
This year’s festival will take place from July 21st to August 1st.
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Now, let’s dive into the lineup.
June events
This year, Vancouver doesn’t have to wait until July to celebrate Pride with the Vancouver Pride Society. In addition to a fitness and social wellness hub that lasts until Friday, June 10th, VPS is also hosting an outdoor spin + drag show on Sunday, June 12th, just in time for Global Wellness Day.
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VPS has also announced their first signature event, East Side Pride, which will take place on Saturday, June 25th at Grandview Park. The all-ages event will feature a ton of diverse performances, BIPOC artists, 2SLGBTQAI+ community vendors, and food and drink trucks.
Adults are welcome to continue the party with Do604 at Thrive With Pride, the official afterparty at Fox Cabaret.
July events
Vancouver’s Pride Parade will take place in downtown Vancouver on Sunday, July 31st. This year’s Grand Marshals include community activist Annie Ohana, Squamish Nation Council member Kristen Rivers (tiyaltelut), and Emperor Victor the Victorious and Empress Fancy Pants. Talk about a dynamic trio!
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During Pride week in July, VPS has confirmed a huge lineup of programming outside of the parade itself. Expect film screenings, pop-up lounges (including the brand new Rainbow Lounge on Granville Island), and the return of the iconic, trivia-performing Drag Deliveries. You can view the full Pride Month itinerary here.
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“Each year, the Vancouver Pride Society is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have all achieved for the 2SLGBTQAI+ community and a reminder that there is still more work to do,” said Grant Minish, National Manager – 2SLGBTQAI+ Business Development, TD Bank Group. “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing support of the Vancouver Pride Society and remain committed to helping create a more inclusive tomorrow.”
More event info and ticketing options will be released on Monday, June 20th. Stay tuned via VPS’ socials – we know we will!
Happy Pride, Vancouver. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
