Richmond to celebrate virtual Pride Week July 27 to August 2

15 July 2020

Richmond residents and their families are invited to experience 13 virtual, active and fun Pride Week activities that include a DJ, drag queen, artists, singers and online dance parties—all from the comforts of home.

“Pride Week is a great opportunity to celebrate our LGBTQ2S+ community in Richmond and demonstrate the City’s commitment to building a welcoming and inclusive city,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “While Pride Week will look different this year because of COVID-19, the City will continue with Pride Week celebrations in a new and creative way that captures the spirit of Pride and ensures the safety of residents.”

These inclusive and engaging activities, welcoming all community members, are offered by the City of Richmond, Community Associations and Societies and the Richmond Public Library.

Highlights of Richmond’s Pride Week include:

1. Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, August 2 – Pride Window Display Decorating Challenge
   Get into the spirit of Pride by decorating your windows with Pride colours and sharing your photos on the City’s various social media platforms. To participate, check out @StevestonCommunityCentre’s Facebook page daily.
2. Friday, July 24, from 8 to 10 p.m. – Youth Dance Party
   Kick off Pride Week with a live music mix on Mixcloud. Dance along or simply kick back and enjoy the music. Check out the @CityofRichmondYouth Instagram page on July 24 for the link.
3. Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31 – Digital Pride Pop-up Party
   Join us from the comfort of your home as we celebrate Pride Week with a series of fun and creative activities such as decorating challenges, craft activities, colourful resources and more. Check out the @SouthArmCC Facebook and Instagram pages daily to participate.
4. Thursday, July 30, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. – Drag Queen Story Time
   Watch local teacher Bryan Bone, also known as Miss Gina Tonic, for a reading of children’s stories that teach lessons of diversity, self love and an appreciation of others. Presented in partnership with the Richmond Public Library. Register online at www.richmond.ca/register or though the Registration Call Centre at 604-276-4300.
5. Saturday, August 1, from 8 to 8:45 p.m. – Live Music with Matthew Presidente
   Join queer artist Matthew Presidente in this intimate live performance featuring his original songs and covers of pop classics. Follow @WestRichmondCC on Instagram to join this must-watch event.
6. Thursday, August 6, from 11 a.m. to noon – Pride Webinar Series: Creating Inclusive Pride Events
   Enhance your skills in planning accessible and inclusive events for diverse communities. Learn the principles of event accessibility and inclusive language, and different considerations for planning an inclusive Pride event in your community. Visit www.CityCentreCC.EventBrite.ca to register.

For a full list of activities and links to social media channels for the 2020 virtual Pride Week in Richmond, visit www.richmond.ca/PrideWeek. Follow @FunRichmond on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

Pride events are held internationally at various times throughout the year to commemorate the history of the LGBT rights movement and recognize the value of diversity and inclusion that Pride events have come to symbolize.

NT5