Muskoka Pride has organized 19 events throughout Muskoka between July 19 and 28 for its 16th annual Pride Week.
Shawn Forth, secretary, events will be held in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and the Township of Georgian Bay.
“There is very much a Muskoka attitude with what we do,” he says, adding that they’re a family and community-oriented event.
The 10-day event includes activities that have been part of the festivities for many years, including the boat parade on Six Mile Lake in Georgian Bay, multiple drag shows, and the festival and parade at Memorial Park in Bracebridge.
Forth highlights two new events: pooch pride and the human library. Both happen on July 24 with the former starting at 2 p.m. at Kerr Park in Bracebridge with the latter beginning at 7 p.m. at the Huntsville Public Library.
He hopes everyone brings their four-legged friends to “strut their rainbow stuff” for parade.
Forth explains the human library event will see six community members become books for the evening to share their stories. He people involved include someone living with HIV/AIDs, someone who recently came out as transgender, and the parent of five kids who identify as 2SLGBTQI+.
“They’re willing to answer any question respectfully asked,” he adds.
Forth says the events hold a special meeting for those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+.
“As someone who has lived in Muskoka all my life, I spent the first half of my life never having met another person who identified as queer,” he says. Forth admits it can be lonely living in a rural community so it’s important for Muskoka Pride to be visible so everyone knows they’re here.
“When someone knows someone who is queer, they have much less of a chance of voting against them in an election or holding negative opinions,” explains Forth. “It’s a matter of making those personal connections.”
Part of that visibility includes the seven flag raisings Muskoka Pride will take part in this year at the municipal offices in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Dwight, Port Severn, Port Carling and Wahta First Nation.
“We have seen a significant increase in online hate speech on social media posts,” says Forth. “There have been many incidents of homophobic graffiti in Muskoka. Last fall protests were held in Bracebridge and Huntsville regarding 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever.”
A rundown of all the events happening during Muskoka Pride Week can be found on its website.
