Kootenay Pride 2017 ready to celebrate LGBTQ+ community
By Nelson Daily Staff
Back, and promising to be bigger than ever, is Kootenay Pride 2017 happening Labour Day Weekend in Nelson with a host of parties, parades and more.
“I feel the reason for Pride being so successful in Nelson, this is our 22 year, has been the community and not just the LGBTQ+ community but the community as a whole,” said Stephanie Myers, speaking on behalf of the 2017 Kootenay Pride committee.
“Nelson has some of the best allies. We are not quick to judge, and we understand that others find happiness in different ways and we are okay with that.”
Kootenay Pride 2017 begins Wednesday with a few events at Touchstones Museum of Art History and Mike’s Place Pub.
Thursday, events continue before the Meet and Greet Friday at Finley’s Bar and Grill at 6 p.m.
The Rogue Show and Cat Walk follows with none other than Drag Queen Ryder Goode as the emcee.
Saturday, the events continue culminating Sunday afternoon with the Pride Parade at 3 p.m. on Baker Street in Nelson followed by the After-Party Dance at Hall Street Plaza.
“The reason for the Kootenay Pride weekend is to celebrate how far we have come in gaining rights and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community but also to shine a light on how far we still have to go to be granted the same rights and freedoms of the cis gendered heterosexual community,” Myers explains.
“Just look down south if you can stand to.”
Local politicians scheduled to participate in the Parade include the Honorable Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Nelson Creston MLA; Kootenay Columbia NDP MP Wayne Stetski and Nelson City Councilor Michael Dailly.
Myers said Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver, BC Premier John Horgan and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were also invited to attend Sunday’s Parade.
“We are so appreciative of the support we have received from the community,” Myers said, adding during his day off Nelson Police Chief Paul Burkart volunteered to paint the sidewalk crossing outside the Nelson Library Pride colours.
“So, a big thank you to all the businesses and individuals who help make this happen.”
For all the information on Pride Week check out 2017 Kootenay Pride on Facebook Page.
