Pride festivities return to New Westminster

Connecting in person has been one of the bigger struggles at New West Pride over the past two years. Last year’s events were modified due to the pandemic; the year before New West Pride held a digital version of events. There is absolute excitement in board member Ashley Cole’s voice as she talks about the week-and-a-half of events happening next month.

“There have definitely been some barriers,” says Cole, “especially with people who moved to New Westminster during the pandemic, and they just haven’t had an opportunity to connect with folks.”

The details: 

• When is Pride Week? Aug. 5 to 14. 

• Where are the events happening? There are plenty of events for folks of all ages. This events list is a great guide to everything happening over the 10-day span!

• The flagship event, the New West Pride Street Festival, takes place Saturday, Aug. 13 from 3 to 8 pm. 

That’s why she and other Pride members can’t wait to see these events come to life, noting that there are options for everyone, no matter your age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

Whether it’s belting out some tunes at a karaoke fundraiser for Rainbow Refugee, making a splash at the first ever Queer Family and Transgender Swim, storytime with a drag queen, or playing games at Capital City’s Arcade Pride Event, there are plenty of events to choose from. 

While Cole can’t pick just one event to be excited about, the Untoxicated stage at the New West Pride Street Festival will certainly be a highlight. 

“We’re going to have some of the RuPaul’s Drag Race queens, and the space will be substance-free,” explains Cole, who says it was important to work with Last Door Recovery so that people could be clean, sober and proud.

As for any upsides to the two-year hiatus: Cole says they’ve been able to think about making events inclusive, whether you’re an attendee or a volunteer. 

“We’re moving towards being more accessible as possible. We’ve had each of our [event] venues do an accessibility audit, and those will be posted along with the events,” says Cole, who adds they are also working on volunteer positions for people from a variety of backgrounds. “If you have mobility issues or accessibility needs, there’s a space for you at pride, as well.” 

There will be an online volunteer orientation event on Wednesday, Aug. 3 to provide more information about the requirements for anyone who would like to help out.