A Virtual Pride Celebration For 40 years, London’s LGBT2Q+ communities h ave come together each year for the annual Pride London Festival. Like many festivals and events around the world, this year was a very different celebration due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Our Board of Directors decided very early on that the pandemic should not, and would not stop, the important human rights work going on around the world and here at home,” said Andrew Rosser, President of Pride London Festival. “Pride is an important opportunity for our communities to come together each year and we wanted tomake sure we could still provide these opportunities.” From July 16 - 26, Pride London Festival held more than 25 events virtually throughZoom, FacebookLiveandYouTube. The2020Pride Launch sponsored by TD, featured various musical performances and Pride messages from community members, Mayor Ed Holder and Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Tewksbury. One of the highlights of the annual festival each year is the Pride Art Show & Sale. This year, the event was reimagined to be a virtual Spotlight on LGBT2Q+ Artists, which profiled various artists in the community on PrideLondon.ca/SpotlightOnArtists. “It was a great honour to be part of the Pride Spotlight on LGBT2Q+ Artists and showcase some of my work.” said local photographer Glenda Clooney. Educational events are an important aspect of Pride London Festival and some of year’s topics focused on Trans in the Workplace, Two-Spirit Identities and LGBTQ Settlement 101. “Each year it’s essential that we provide opportunities for our community and the general public to educate themselves about issues facing LGBT2Q+ communities.” said Rosser. Some of the interactive and unique events added this year were Drag 101 with London’s youngest drag queen Miss Shaneen, Let’s Talk Pets with Dog Trainer Melissa Millett, and a Sing & Dance Along with Saidat.
In place of the annual parade, aVirtual PrideCommunityCelebration was held that featured various submitted videos from community organizations and individuals. While 2020 offered several challenges for Pride organizers this year, Rosser says it brought some new ideas that can be incorporated in future celebrations.
“One thing we learned this year, is that hosting virtual events is a really great way to connect with more people in our communities, specifically those who might have mobility or health issues, seniors and those who might not feel comfortable coming out. Moving forward, a hybrid model of virtual and in person Pride events will be important for allowing everyone to participate.” The 2020 Pride London Festival Annual General Meeting is on Thursday, November 19th, 7pm via Zoom. For more information about Pride London Festival, visit PrideLondon.ca.
The annual Elegant Drag Ensemble was held virtually and featured 18 talented local drag performers. The 2020 Pride Spotlight Party was also held virtually and featured DJ DisKreet, DJ Kevin Evans & Cozmic Cat , along with a special Pride concert from the Sarah Smith Trio. One event that was certainly missed by thousands of Londoners this year was the annual Pride Parade, which in 2019 celebrated 25 years. “We know how important the annual London Pride Parade is for so many people in our city and it was disappointing to not to be able to flood Queen Street with our rainbow flags this year.” said Rosser.
PRIDE Villager
Issue 5 • Fall 2020 Page 2
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