Vancouver Pride events will be held virtually this year
Rather than cancelling its massive parade and various other events this summer, the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) announced it is shifting its celebrations this summer to a series of online events.
The decision was made after Saturday’s noon-hour press conference, in which BC’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said people should temper their expectations for what this summer might look like when it comes to planned private gatherings such as weddings, as well as large-scale public events, like the PNE and Pride.
“We will continue to create this space,” VPS said in a statement. “Pride can’t be cancelled- only re-imagined. ”
And “over the last several weeks our staff team has been hard at work looking for creative alternatives to physical events.”
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VPS is currently deciding which events to continue running this year and will post an updated schedule some time over the next couple of weeks.
The non-profit said it is planning on issuing refunds to those who need it most and will be reaching out to all of their partners, vendors, and parade participants over the next few weeks. They will also continue to pay trans, two-spirit and queer artists, performers, musicians, suppliers and more as they “move events into digital spaces.”
“We are so thankful for our Pride family and partners, and for your continued support as we now shift towards creating a different kind of Pride celebration – but one which continues to celebrate diversity and bring us together when we need it most.”
With files from Eric Zimmer
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