THUNDER BAY – Thunder Pride has outgrown its origins. So now organizers plan to double the fun, while shifting events and activities to the heart of the Bay and Algoma District.
Jason Veltri, chair of the Thunder Pride Association, says the ninth annual celebration of all things LGBTIQS+ will now be a two-day affair.
As an added bonus, pride flags will also fly outside of all three local school board offices, a first for the festival.
“It’s become a staple in the June calendar in the city,” Veltri said on Wednesday, launching this year’s slate of activities at the Finlandia Club, this year’s Pride headquarters.
“I think it’s really important that we have these events. Our city has come a long way. We have a long way to go yet. But these events will help foster that inclusion that’s needed in this city.”
From a new parade route, that will see participants march from Waverly Park to Bay Street along Algoma Street, to a Drag Show Extravaganza featuring four performers from the hit television show RuPaul’s Drag Race, to the two-day block party and the Colours of The Rainbow Gala Dinner, there’s a little something for everyone, Veltri said of June 15 and June 16 event.
“This is our biggest festival yet,” he said.
Ellen Chambers, one of the founders of Thunder Pride and chair of Lakehead Public Schools board of trustees, said getting all three boards to participate is indicative of how far acceptance has come, while acknowledging there is still work to be done.
“I know that Lakehead Public Schools have made huge strides and is more than dedicated to being open. We have become very accepting and celebratory of LGBTQ+ students and staff,” she said.
“I know the struggles that many have gone through and I know how difficult that’s been. I know that this is more than a parade and more than a ceremony. It’s representative of a lot of struggles and a lot of difficulties and a lot of heartbreak and hardship. It’s happened to people and is unnecessary and not right.”
Education is key to changing attitudes, she added.
“This is about education and our flag represents that,” Chambers said.
Veltri praised the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board for not hesitating to show support, given how divisive the issue has become in some religious circles.
“I couldn’t be more proud that the Catholic board is on board with us and they have been a leader in this community,” he said.
Director of education Pino Tassone, who taught Veltri, said it’s humbling to be part of a movement that honours and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
“We proudly embrace our diversity and strive to better our school communities and face inclusivity and positive learning environments,” Tassone said. “As an educator, I truly believe education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world and today is a perfect example.”
While the main events take place over a two-day period, there will be activities throughout the first 16 days of June.
Schedule:
- June 1: Youth Drag Workshop and Show (St. Ignatius High School cafetorium
- June 2: Pride Pool Party (Canada Games Complex)
- June 5: City Hall flag raising and media launch (City Hall)
- June 5: Pride Night at the Park: Border Cats baseball game. (Port Arthur Stadium)
- June 7: Coffeehouse Night and Varity Show (Red Lion Smokehouse)
- June 8: Smudge and drum ceremony (Mount McKay)
- June 8: Drag Show Spectacular, featuring stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race (Victoria Inn)
- June 9: Drag Brunch and Mimosas (Red Lion Smokehouse)
- June 10: Film night (Vox Popular)
- June 10: Awareness Breakfast (Prince Arthur Waterfont Hotel
- June 11: Literary Night (Mariner’s Hall)
- June 12: LGBTQ2S+ Trivia Night (The Foundry)
- June 13: Night of Tribute and Healing – Sober Event (Marina Park)
- June 14: Colours of the Rainbow Gala Dinner and Dance (Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel)
- June 15: Thunder Pride Block Party (Bay and Algoma District)
- June 16: Church Service (St. Paul’s United Church)
- June 16: 2019 Pride Parade (Algoma Street to Bay Street)
- June 16: Thunder Pride Block Party (Bay and Algoma District)
