NEWS RELEASE
PRIDE BARRIE
*************************
2018 marks the fifth anniversary of Pride celebrations in Barrie. The week-long series of community events will bring together members of the LGBTQ community and allies to celebrate equality, make new connections and learn.
“It’s really a time when the heart and soul of the community shines,” says Shelly Skinner, Barrie Pride vice-chair. “Barrie is a well-connected, supportive city. One of my favourite aspects of the week is the chance to meet so many wonderful people— people who believe that human rights are everyone’s right. And who want to celebrate how far we’ve come as a society, but also learn about the distance we have to go before we all enjoy the same freedom and safety. I enjoy being surrounded by people who embrace this human-centred way of living and thinking. It gives me hope.”
Events kicked off last weekend with Celebrate Barrie Pride, a launch party hosted at Drors and a city hall flag raising. Last night, community members gathered for a Games Night at Green Sprouts Cafe.
Awareness and learning are the focus of tonight’s event: the Barrie premiere screening of June’s, directed by Academy Award nominee Hubert Davis.
For three days in November 2017, the world’s first HIV-positive eatery—named June’s after Casey House founder June Callwood—helped expose stigma faced by those living with HIV/AIDS. This short documentary focuses on the 14 HIV+ chefs who came forward to show they had nothing to fear, and to prepare a meal for patrons who, in return, had nothing to be afraid of.
The screening starts at 6:30 p.m. at The Local Gastropub, 37 Dunlop St. W. in Barrie.
Events happen every day from now until Sunday. Barrie Pride events are family-friendly unless noted as 19+.
Notes Skinner, “We’re thankful to our sponsors and supporters, and to the community. Barrie Pride has grown each year — from the seed of a vision, to the largest event north of Toronto. Now in year five, we’re expecting the best turnout yet for festival weekend. I’m anticipating a lot of fun, love and memories to be made.”
Images of the festival and more details are available here. Connect with Barrie Pride on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Full list of Barrie Pride 2018 events
Wednesday, June 6
Humanizing HIV and U=U
6:30 p.m., The Local Gastropub, 37 Dunlop St. W.
Thursday, June 7
Social Night @ PIE
7:30 p.m., PIE Wood Fired Pizza Joint, 11 Victoria St.
Pride Festival
2 to 10 p.m., Heritage Park, downtown Barrie
Featuring a main stage, marketplace and food
Pride Carnival Dance Party
5 p.m to 10 pm., Heritage Park, Beer Garden, downtown Barrie. marketplace and food
Saturday, June 9
Trans Pride March
9:30 a.m., Centennial Park Fountain to Heritage Park
Pride Festival
11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Heritage Park, downtown Barrie
Featuring a kids zone, main stage, marketplace, beer garden and food
Smash the Stigma Canada Pride Fundraiser
8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Foxx Lounge, 16 Dunlop St. E.
This is a 19+ event
Sunday, June 10
11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Heritage Park, downtown Barrie
Featuring a kids zone, main stage, marketplace, beer garden and food
OMCI Emerging Artists Stage
Pride Parade
2 p.m.
*************************
