Local Pride Week organizers are hoping to reach and connect more people with virtual celebrations this year.
“We’re really excited with our digital event because sometimes people aren’t comfortable in large gatherings,” said Matthieu Villeneuve, president of Fierté Timmins Pride. “So it gives us a chance to reach out to people who are going to be staying at home.”
The full schedule is still in development but there are a few confirmed events planned for the week of June 22-28. This year, some of the events are being funded by Stringer Law Professional Corporation.
The celebrations will kick off with an online flag raising and proclamation at city hall Monday, June 22 at 9 a.m.. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers want to avoid large gatherings and are asking people to stay home and watch Facebook live instead.
Later Monday, there will be an educational virtual bingo trivia at 7 p.m. It’s free to access for all ages and those interested can send an, “I'm game for virtual bingo trivia” email to [email protected]. There will be prizes and the topics will revolve around LGBTQ terms and history.
For Wednesday, June 24, Timmins organizers are working on having some speakers for a three-hour-long Zoom presentation for businesses and organizations on topics such as inclusion, while for Thursday, Villeneuve said they’re hoping to have an online community session that will be open for everyone.
There will also be a virtual open mic at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Organizers are hoping to have an online drag show on Friday but they’re currently waiting for confirmation from performers.
On Saturday, the organization’s team will be going out delivering candy grams which can be bought $4 each or three for $10. The purchase includes the candy, the message and the delivery to whoever will receive the candy gram.
“The candy gram gives you a chance to connect with people at the same time, a chance to reach out,” Villeneuve explained.
Celebrating Pride Week online allows organizers to reach more people in surrounding areas like Cochrane and Kapuskasing. It also lets organizers take advantage of other Pride celebrations in northern Ontario and share these events with members of the local community.
One such shared event is an online panel discussion that will take place on Tuesday, June 23, at 6 p.m. The discussion will be about the history and significance of two-spirit identity held by Rainy River District’s Borderland Pride with the local Anishinaabe leaders.
Although some people enjoy in-person interactions, organizers wanted to make sure everyone stays safe, Villeneuve said. Some of the virtual celebrations may also be carried over to next year so that it’s more accessible to people who can’t attend or aren’t comfortable with large gatherings.
“I’m hoping people will just be able to connect and I’m hoping they’re still able to celebrate Pride from their homes in a socially-distanced way,” Villeneuve said. “We’re doing the best we can so that everybody gets a chance to participate even if it’s different this year.”
For more information, visit Fierté Timmins Pride Facebook page.
