Canada Pride 2024, hosted by the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS), is set to be an extraordinary celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the LGBTQ2+ community. Scheduled from July 26 to August 4, 2024, this event promises a week filled with vibrant activities, parades, and cultural events that honour and uplift the LGBTQ2+ community. This guide delves into the details of who is behind the event, what to expect, when and where the festivities will occur, why this celebration is important, and how you can get involved.
Who’s Behind Canada Pride 2024
Vancouver Pride Society
The Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) is the powerhouse behind Canada Pride 2024. VPS is a non-profit organization committed to advancing LGBTQ2+ rights and creating inclusive spaces for celebration and connection. The Society’s mission emphasizes inclusivity, equality, and social justice, ensuring that every voice in the LGBTQ2+ community is heard and celebrated.
Board of Directors
The VPS Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated individuals who guide the organization’s strategic direction and oversee the planning of Canada Pride 2024. Key figures include:
- Sareeta Lopez, Co-Chair: Sareeta brings her background in trauma-informed care and educational professional experience to the VPS.
- Alan Daly, Co-Chair: Alan, originally from Ireland, is an active member of the queer community and promotes diversity and inclusion.
- Chris Kennedy, Secretary: Chris brings extensive experience in event and project management and advocates for body positivity and sex positivity.
- Mason Wong, Treasurer: Mason, a chartered professional accountant, focuses on financial oversight and supports diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Aidan Bancroft, Director: Aidan is a queer, fat, trans individual with a background in communications and community engagement.
- Sonia Zebadua, Director: Sonia is a co-founder of two companies and a non-profit, focusing on Latin LGBTQ2+ community issues.
- Dylan Robinson, Director: Dylan specializes in equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a focus on preventing sexual violence and discrimination.
- Leeann Tolentino, Director: Leeann advocates for disability inclusivity and is an active member of the Tri-Cities Pride Allies committee.
Sponsors and Partners
Canada Pride 2024 is supported by a diverse range of sponsors and partners who contribute to the success and accessibility of the event:
- Presenting Sponsor: TD Bank Group
- Platinum Sponsors: Rogers Communications, Concord Pacific Developments
- Gold Sponsors: Durex
- Silver Sponsors: Bubly, Bud Light, Deloitte, Vizzy
- Bronze Sponsors: Air Canada, Parq Vancouver, Sheraton Wall Centre, BC Place Stadium, No Frills/Real Canadian Superstore, Granville Island, Dentons Canada, Downtown Van, EVO Car Share, Lululemon, Skip the Dishes, Smirnoff, University Canada West, West End Business Improvement Association
- Rainbow Sponsors: Dilawri Auto Group, Fresh St. Market, MINI, Fountainhead Pub, Moxies, Plenty of Fish, Sephora, Your Independent Grocer
What to Expect at Canada Pride 2024
Pride Parade
The Pride Parade, scheduled for August 4, 2024, is the highlight of Canada Pride 2024. This iconic event will begin at 12:30 PM, starting from the intersection of Denman and Davie streets and proceeding down Beach Avenue and Pacific Street. The parade will feature vibrant floats, community groups, and performers, celebrating the rich diversity of the LGBTQ2+ community.
Opening Ceremony
The celebrations will kick off with the Canada Pride Opening Ceremony on July 26, at 12:00 PM at the Bubly Davie Street Lounge. This special evening will feature welcomes from the Host Nations, inspiring speakers from the local community, and live entertainment to set the stage for an unforgettable celebration.
Davie Street Party
The celebrations kick off with the Davie Street Party on July 27, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, followed by a 19+ ticketed event. Located in Vancouver’s gay village, this street party is a family-friendly event that transforms Davie Street into a lively festival with music, food vendors, and entertainment.
Pride Festival at Concord Community Park
Held on August 3 and 4, the Pride Festival at Concord Community Park near Science World will feature live music, performances, vendors, and community booths. This festival offers a space for celebration, connection, and reflection on the progress and challenges of the LGBTQ2+ community.
Bubly Davie Street Lounge
The Bubly Davie Street Lounge will be a hub of queer creativity and expression. Highlights include DJ sets, performances, and the first-ever all-Black Pride party presented by AfroQueer. This event is designed to showcase the diverse talents within the LGBTQ2+ community.
Supporting Events
Canada Pride 2024 includes a variety of supporting events:
- Menagerie XL Circuit Weekend: A series of high-energy parties featuring world-class DJs, offering an unforgettable nightlife experience.
- The Gay Agenda Pride Vancouver Weekend: This event features three epic parties, including Cruise, Bear Puddle, and the Closing Party, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Family-Friendly Events
Canada Pride 2024 ensures inclusivity with events like East Side Pride in Grandview Park and Picnic in the Park at Stanley Park, providing family-friendly spaces where people of all ages can celebrate together.
When and Where
Dates
Canada Pride 2024 runs from July 26 to August 4, 2024, with major events concentrated on the weekends.
Locations
- Davie Village: Known for its vibrant LGBTQ2+ community, this area will be the epicenter of many activities, including the Davie Street Party and Bubly Davie Street Lounge.
- Concord Community Park: The main festival site near Science World, hosting the Pride Festival over the weekend.
- Various Venues: Across Vancouver, numerous venues including nightclubs, parks, and streets will host different events and parties, ensuring a city-wide celebration.
Why Canada Pride 2024
Canada Pride 2024 is a national celebration aimed at honouring LGBTQ2+ communities across the country. This event is significant for several reasons:
- Promoting Equality: It advocates for equal rights and social justice for LGBTQ2+ individuals, highlighting ongoing struggles and progress.
- Celebrating Diversity: The event showcases the rich diversity within the LGBTQ2+ community, celebrating differences and fostering understanding.
- Fostering Community: It creates spaces for connection, support, and celebration among community members and allies, strengthening the sense of community and belonging.
How to Get Involved
Membership and Participation
- VPS Membership: Becoming a member of the Vancouver Pride Society is an excellent way to support and get involved in Pride events. Membership includes voting rights at the AGM, opportunities to volunteer, and the chance to contribute to the planning and execution of events.
- Volunteering: Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Canada Pride 2024. Various volunteer roles are available, from event setup and teardown to parade marshals and information booth attendants.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship is another way to get involved. Canada Pride 2024 relies on the support of sponsors to ensure the event remains free and accessible to all. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations that align with the values of diversity and inclusion.
Closing Thoughts
Canada Pride 2024 in Vancouver is set to be a landmark event, celebrating the resilience, diversity, and contributions of the LGBTQ2+ community. With a packed schedule of parades, festivals, parties, and family-friendly events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and join the celebration of love, equality, and pride in one of North America’s most vibrant cities.
For more information, visit the Vancouver Pride Society’s official website and the Canada Pride 2024 event page.