Minden Pride chair Allan Guinan is reiterating Pride-themed festivities coming to Haliburton County next week are for everyone, not just members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking on the eve of the organization’s ninth-annual Pride Week, which runs Aug. 19 to 25, Guinan promises this year’s spread has something for everyone – whether it be a lighthearted social with friends and family, learning opportunities for people young and old, or a community party where you have the chance to take centre stage.
This year’s theme is ‘everyone is welcome’.
“People sometimes think Minden Pride events and the Pride festival itself are just for people in the queer community, but in reality we’re hoping lots of people participate – the more the merrier,” Guinan said.
August is always bittersweet for the long-time chair – Guinan enjoys getting together with the community to celebrate, but remembers how the event is rooted in tragedy. Co-founders Sinclair Russell and Bob Baynton-Smith formed Minden Pride in 2016, shortly after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida that killed 49 people and wounded 53 others, most of them members of the LGBTQ+ community.
It also followed an incident in Haliburton, where a local business was targeted with homophobic graffiti.
“I do feel we’ve come a long way since then. Mostly the community here has been very supportive and very welcoming,” Guinan said. “Now, Pride Week is one of the biggest cultural events in the County. We’re trying to appeal to all ages, all demographics – there’s a lot of different things on offer.”
An opening reception and flag-raising ceremony will take place outside Minden Hills township office Aug. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A meet and greet Pride reception is happening later in the day at Bonnie View Inn.
New this year, a ‘Voice of Pride’ art exhibition is being staged at Minden Hills Cultural Centre and The Space in Haliburton village. Curated by Scott Walling, the show will feature works from emerging and established queer artists in the community. An opening reception is taking place at the cultural centre Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Haliburton Youth Hub is staging a youth Pride day Aug. 21, Queer Comedy Night returns to Eagle View Event Centre Aug. 21, Dominion Hotel hosts queer trivia night Aug. 22, with family movie matinees at the Minden and Haliburton libraries Aug. 23. The annual Burlesque Ball is at the Pinestone Aug. 23.
The rainbow street festival and Pride river parade close the week Aug. 25, taking place along Water Street in Minden and down the Gull. Winners from the ‘Show your Pride’ community decorating contest will be revealed at the street festival.
Guinan confirmed drag story time, featuring a man in woman’s clothing reading book excerpts to children, will also be back – at the Minden library Aug. 20 and the Haliburton library Aug. 22, both from 3 to 4 p.m. Some in the community have been critical of the event in the past, something Guinan says he doesn’t understand.
“Kids are entertained by someone who’s an extravagant, creative, clown-like personality. Kids don’t understand anything more than that,” Guinan said. “People use the term ‘indoctrination’, and that’s so disappointing because what we’re trying to do is spread the word that love is love, that everyone needs to be kind and generous and accepting of everyone.”
He said the books chosen to be read aloud are approved by the Haliburton County Public Library ahead of time.
“They’re usually lovely stories. I don’t know why people feel they need to target this event. I don’t know why it’s causing so much grief. It’s usually a fun, joyous event,” Guinan added.
