Muskoka Pride is celebrating its 18th annual Pride Week.
The event takes place from July 18 to 26.
“Last year’s Festival and Parade were a huge success, with more people in attendance than ever before. We are thrilled to once again hold a week of events throughout the communities in Muskoka,” says Steph Taylor, President of Muskoka Pride.
Shawn Forth, Muskoka Pride board member, says the annual event aims to honour the strength of 2SLGBTQ+ people across generations, while recognizing the continued importance of advocacy, inclusion, and joy.
Forth says this year’s theme, “Still here. Still fighting. Still proud!” highlights resilience, visibility, and community at a time when 2SLGBTQ+ people across Canada continue to experience both progress and pushback.
“We have seen a significant increase in online hate speech on social media posts. There have been many incidents of homophobic graffiti in Muskoka, and protests held regarding 2SLGBTQ+ visibility in schools. Events that promote 2SLGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion are needed now more than ever,” says Forth.
Officials say some of the events include flag-raising ceremonies, the annual Six-Mile Lake Pride Boat Parade and lots more.
The week wraps up with the annual Muskoka Pride Festival taking over Memorial Park in downtown Bracebridge from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 26, and will feature vendors, food trucks, family activities, live music, and performances.
For more information or to check the full schedule of events and activities, click here.
