Dear Valley 2SLGBTQIA+ community,
We are so excited to host the very first pride festival in the Wolfville and Kentville area! We have a weekend jam packed with activities that we hope will help queer folks of the Valley to find each other, build community, and have fun along the way.
The decision to put together Valley Pride arose from a feeling that while there are queer people here in the Valley, many of us haven’t found each other or safe space to congregate; we tend to go down to Halifax to find queer community, because we’re more visible in the city.
It’s important to us that Valley queers feel safe and accepted here at home. Building queer community in the Valley will not only have a positive impact on the out and proud queer folks living here (who doesn’t want more queer spaces, trivia, board games, dance parties and drag shows??), but it will also show queer youth growing up in the Valley that they belong in their home community.
If you’re reading this, we probably don’t need to tell you that it’s a dangerous time for queer folks across North America, with the rise in anti-trans legislation in the United States and increasing hate and violence against our community in Canada.
One way to peacefully fight back against this alarming trend is to be visible in our communities, especially outside of major urban centers. This is how people will come to realize that queer folks are everywhere, and we are just as worthy of acceptance, love, and support as anyone. People fear what they don’t know, so let’s introduce ourselves to our Valley neighbours in a safe environment–and have a fantastic time doing so!
Over the weekend of July 14-16, we’re planning a wide range of events so that everyone in our community can participate in pride in whatever way they feel comfortable. From a 19+ drag show to a family-friendly picnic and show in Waterfront Park, there’s something for everyone!
We can’t wait to see you all out and proud this July! Thanks for joining us!
Ashley Cyr (she/they) & Kiran Awrey (they/them)
Co-organizers, Valley Pride