This summer, Muskoka will be celebrating 15 years of being loud and proud.
For the first time since 2019, Muskoka Pride will have a full festival with nine days of events, including a parade, celebrating the two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) community later this month.
“During COVID, we celebrated Pride Week in smaller ways, and last year we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the festival and parade due to severe weather,” Muskoka Pride president Merv Taylor-Morin explained in a news release.
“We are beyond thrilled to host the annual festival and parade in downtown Bracebridge for the first time in three years.”
Board member Shawn Forth says it’s important for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to see themselves represented.
“When you identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and grow up in a small community, you can feel isolated and as if you are the only one. It is important for there to be 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in our communities,” he said.
Forth added it’s particularly important this year given the significant rise in homophobia and transphobia across North America, and even in Muskoka.
“We have seen a significant increase in online hate speech on social media posts,” he explained. “There have been many incidents of homophobic graffiti in Muskoka, including recently on a school mural. In 2021, a Pride flag was burned. Last fall, we had protesters arrive at an event shouting homophobic words.
“Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever.”
Thanks to a grant from the District of Muskoka IDEA committee, Muskoka Pride will be handing out anti-hate signs, which say “Hate Has No Home Here.” They are free and can be picked up at Pride Week events.
“Allyship is needed now more than ever to counter the hate speech that is becoming all-to-frequent in society,” Forth added.
Muskoka Pride Week runs from July 22 to July 30 and everyone is welcome.
9 DAYS OF EVENTS
Pride Week starts off one week early, with the fourth annual Six Mile Lake Pride Boat Parade in Georgian Bay Township on Saturday, July 15.
TimberBeast Productions features prominently during this year’s Pride Week. On Sunday, July 23 a benefit concert ("Fearfully Wonderfully Made”) is being held at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst to support the Affirming and Social Justice initiatives. On Monday, July 24, head out to Broadway on the Barge in Gull Lake Park, to sing along with some of the most fabulous Broadway queer-inspired music. On Tuesday, July 25 go to the Gravenhurst Opera House for the Pride Matinee of “Citronella the Musical."
Bracebridge Hall is hosting a Muskoka Pride Comedy Night featuring four queer comedians from Gay AF Comedy on Wednesday, July 26. Tickets are available at www.bbhall.ca.
Disco Muskoka is happening on Thursday, July 27 at Canvas Brewery in Huntsville. In partnership with the Huntsville Theatre Company, Muskoka Pride is hosting the second annual disco party featuring local singers and the largest disco dance in Muskoka. The event is hosted by local drag sensations Champagne Top’Her and Lady Stitch. Tickets are available on the HTC website.
Pride Church Services will be held on July 23 at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst and on July 30 at Bracebridge United Church.
FLAG-RAISINGS
All municipalities in Muskoka will be raising the Progress Pride flag on Monday, July 24. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the ceremonies at their local municipality office to celebrate the annual flag-raising.
DRAG SHOWS
Muskoka Drag Royalty is hosting two events this year and both are 19-plus shows. The annual show at Sawdust City Brewery (“A Hot Sizzling Night with Muskoka Drag Royalty”) is on Friday, July 28, and Bracebridge Hall is hosting the Pride After Party Drag Show on Sunday, July 30.
FAMILY EVENTS
Muskoka Pride has taken great care to ensure that many events are geared to the entire family. Many families participate to show their allyship with the community, to support their 2SLGBTQ+ family members, and as an opportunity for their families to experience their first Pride Festival.
The annual Six Mile Lake Boat Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 15 on Six Mile Lake in Georgian Bay Township starting at 1 p.m.
The annual Rainbow Road Tour on Sunday, July 23, which was first introduced during the pandemic, will take place again. It is a great opportunity for the entire family to tour around Lake of Bays. This year’s route will incorporate some of the newly installed rainbow benches, and will end with dinner in Huntsville.
Tuesday, July 25 is Pride Night at the Muskoka Drive-In. Featuring the Barbie Movie, some short films from the Muskoka Queer Film Festival (MQFF) and a 2SLGBTQ+ feature film.
On Thursday, July 27, the 11th annual Muskoka Pride Mini-Golf Tournament will be held at Northern Escapades Mini Putt. Families and individuals can golf for a special rate between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and try for their chance at the trophy.
FESTIVAL AND PARADE
For the first time since 2019 (after the event was cancelled due to weather last year), Muskoka Pride will host the annual Pride Festival in Memorial Park on Sunday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring vendors, live music, and activities for the family. We will be featuring performances from three bands: Dirty Little Swing Thing, Briar Summers, and Broadtree.
The annual Pride Parade will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Manitoba Street. This year the parade will be starting at Memorial Park and going through downtown Bracebridge.
To see a full schedule of events go to muskokapride.com or click “Events” on the Muskoka Pride Facebook Page.
