The LGBTQ+ Society of Lloydminster is taking their Pride celebrations virtual this year.
June marks Pride Month, a time where the LGBTQ+ community and their allies commemorate the historic and ongoing struggles for rights and show solidarity across the world. Lloydminster is no exception, with Pride Week here marked for June 21st to 27th.
The Society, like many other non-profits, is facing challenges due to COVID-19. They have begun planning several events, including online drag shows, learning tutorials and art events, among other events online, working around the pandemic.
Founder Tiffani Wiesner says the LGBTQ+ Society is doing Pride digitally to help keep the LGBTQ+ community’s acceptance movement momentum going, as well as show they’re still here for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and their allies.
“With everything that is happening with COVID, we want to respect everybody’s health and boundaries, but we also don’t want to kind of fall on the wayward. We want to still just make our presence known, and show our pride the best way we can by keeping our distance, but still letting everyone know we’re there to support them.”
The LGBTQ+ Society is also putting a virtual scavenger hunt in the works. They hope to adorn the windows of local businesses with pride flags and have people go out and find them.
“What we’re doing with that scavenger hunt,” explains Wiesner, “is it’s going to be in places of all our past, or previous supporters, or anybody that helped us out in any event, or sponsored us. We’re just trying to get the recognition out there, let everybody know that we’re so grateful that they’re there to help us, and we’re there to help them in return.”
People interested in joining Pride festivities can find more details on the LGBTQ+ Society of Lloydminster’s Facebook.