Pride is front-page news again this year, and for good reason – it’s not only Pride Month, but it’s Pride Week in Nanaimo.
As is tradition, the Harbour City leaps into June as one of the first communities to celebrate Pride. The Nanaimo Pride Society is now in the midst of leading a full seven days of activities – a flag-raising ceremony was held at city hall last night after press time, and things culminate with the Pride parade and festival on Sunday, June 8. In the meantime there will be a silent disco, a comedy show and dances. This year’s theme is ‘louder and prouder.’
Over the years, Nanaimo has been particularly loud and proud at this time of year, with members of the LGBTQ community in a celebratory mood. But Pride season is more than just a big, colourful party. It can be an opportunity for any of us to learn about and think about ways we can better protect the rights of people to be who they are and love who they love. It’s a chance to make it known we reject discrimination and hate, and want to be part of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ people. It’s a fine time to uplift LGBTQ people so that they are seen and heard, valued and loved.
It’s 2025 in Nanaimo, B.C., and the people who live here should be able to live their authentic selves. Our young people should know they can live their truths. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
This month, and especially this week in Nanaimo, let’s be loud with our celebrations, our allyship, our desire for equal rights, and our Pride.
The Pride parade starts at 11 a.m. on Fitzwilliam Street and continues on Front Street. The Pride festival is noon-5 p.m. at Maffeo Sutton Park. For more information, visit www.nanaimopride.ca/events.
