As province-wide COVID-19 restrictions loosen this summer, the newly renamed qathet Pride Society is looking forward to getting the community back together after a nearly two-year-long break, starting with Pride 2021 events this week.
But a new name isn’t the only change this growing organization is going through, according to board treasurer Kevin Wilson.
qathet Pride Society (formerly known as Powell River Pride Society) has about four times the members it had previously, with eight board members and another 15 on the Pride week organizing committee.
“So, the work is spread out much more this year, which means, in theory, we can do more in practice,” said Wilson. “But because of COVID, we didn’t know what we would be able to do until July. So we’ve had a very short timeline for organizing, of course.”
The society also has a new board president. New to the region, Lund resident John Hewson is its newly elected leader. He attended his first Powell River Pride event in 2019 to connect with the local queer community.
Hewson said the event was relatively small compared to those he’s seen in the past in New York City, Vancouver and Whistler. The event featured a semicircle of about 15 to 20 community groups and vendors. There were locals celebrating, as well as music, food and croquet.
“It wasn’t a parade; it wasn’t in a bar; there wasn’t a drag queen; there wasn’t a party or such,” added Hewson. “It was very much a summer afternoon in the park.”
Nevertheless, it was very much a “homegrown, organic, authentic, caring event,” where one could connect with other community members and resources.
“I met people there, and I appreciated it,” said Hewson. “And it was real, genuine and friendly.”
Although this year is more scheduled and smaller than previous years, Wilson said he’s looking forward to seeing people he hasn’t seen in a while.
“Well, this year, everything’s going to be much smaller, but it’s still going to be fun,” added Wilson. “There will still be rainbows.”
Earlier this month, Pride week kicked off with the What The Plus art show, a picnic and button-making event, and the flag-raising ceremony at city hall this past Monday. A Pride window is also on display at the Town Centre mall.
Wednesday, August 11, at 7 pm, is craft night at Cranberry Community Hall. The rest of the week will be filled with picnics, games, drag and a scavenger hunt. To find the full lineup with times, go to the qathet Pride Society website at prpride.ca.
Most events for all ages
Wilson said most of the events are for all ages, with a couple of exceptions, such as the drag event, which will be in a bar. Otherwise, children and families are welcome.
He asks anyone who’s interested in joining in on the celebration to RSVP first. Some of the events are in private front yards, and it will be helpful to know how many people to expect, he added. Anyone interested can RSVP by sending an email to [email protected].
After Pride week is over, both Hewson and Wilson said they’re hoping to take a look at the organization itself. Hewson asks the questions: As a community, how do we make the LGBTQ2S+ community feel welcome and included? And what does that look like?
“Are we purely a volunteer-driven organization that produces pride events once a year,” said Hewson, “or are we a resource for queer kids, youth, adults, seniors, to make sure they are being loved and nurtured and taken care of and respected, and included in the community?”
With planning experience in tow, Hewson said he hopes to help qathet Pride Society create a strategic focus this year.
“And if we are taking on the bigger mission, how do we do that?” he added. “Are we going to be a funded organization? Are we going to be a staffed organization? Or are we just a little volunteer group that enjoys, you know, just putting on a picnic?”
