BY SUZANNE MACNEIL
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pride Cape Breton. Since 2000, the organization has dedicated itself to the well-being and unity of Cape Breton’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community.
Pride events are held worldwide each year, and are the civil rights legacy of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York, where patrons of the now-famous gay bar fought back against one of many police raids, just one part of the government-sponsored persecution of the LGBT community.
The busy week starts on Friday, August 6, with a dance featuring music from 1955 to 1965 at Sydney’s South End Community Centre. Event time is 10:00pm to 2:30am. Prizes will be given to the best period dress.
The Pride Parade will be in downtown Sydney Saturday, August 7 starting at 1pm, followed by a Barbeque and the Pride Memorial Friendship baseball game at the Louisa Field at 2:30pm. At 9:00pm, there will be Gay Bingo at the Horizon Achievement Centre, hosted by the award winning drag performer Rouge Fatale.
The PFLAG Family Day will be held at the South End Community Centre at 1pm on Sunday, August 8. There will be hot dogs, games and treats for all ages. That evening, there will also be a Movie Night at the Delta Sydney at 7:00pm. Participants are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.
On August 9, Diva Delights will be held at the Horizon achievement centre, starring Rouge Fatale. Showtime is 8:00pm and admission is $10. A pub night and barbeque will be held August 10 at the South End Community Centre at 6:00pm.
The Giant Musicfest will take place at the South End Community Centre on Wednesday, August 11. The all-ages portion of the show starts at 4:00pm, with the 19+ show starting at 9:00pm. The show will festure the performances of Robert Barrie, Laurel Martel & Friends, Hells Bells, Ross Hunter, and Sandy Maxwell. Admission is by donation. The following night, there will be “Fairioke” at the same venue, starting at 9:00pm. Admission is $5 and there will be prizes for best Karaoke performances.
On Friday, August 13, there will be a Pride Dance at the Horizon Achievement Centre from 9:00pm to 2:30am. Admission is $10, and the event is for ages 19 and over. On Saturday, there will be a beach party and campout starting at 2:00pm
The busy week will wrap up Sunday, August 15 with a Spiritual Celebration at St. Andrew’s Church at 40 Bentinck Street, Sydney, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. The service will be followed immediately afterwards with a 6:00pm potluck at St. Andrew’s Church Hall.
For more information about Pride Cape Breton and Pride Week 2010, visit pridecapebreton.com.
Tony Tracy says
Sadly, I can't be in Cape Breton for the Pride Parade tomorrow, but I know that the labour movement will be well represented: the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour & it's affiliate unions will have a float and a contingent marching in the Pride Parade tomorrow afternoon.