Small Island, Huge Pride

Small Island, Huge Pride
by Peter Steele

Pride Cape Breton announces its annual Pride Week festivities slated for August 11th to 18th, an eight day festival packed with events, which will cater to the island’s gay, lesbian and bisexual community, as well as visitors from across Canada and the United States.

The Pride Cape Breton Society is Cape Breton’s first and only provincially registered organization dedicated solely to the well-being and unity of the island’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community.

This year’s Pride Week festival, Out With Friends, will be held following Sydney’s annual Action Week events. Usually held in July, August has been a typical time when many ex-Cape Bretoners return home to visit, so the post-Action Week festival is a more appropriate time for them to enjoy the many events our festival offers.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality Council has proclaimed Pride Week 2007 with its usual unanimous support, expressing that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity. We welcome all former Cape Bretoners, and all fellow Canadians to join us as we celebrate Cape Breton Island’s vast diversity, and the warm gracious friendliness we Islanders are known for.

For details of Pride Week festivities and monthly events, visit us at
www.pridecapebreton.com

This year’s Pride Week theme is Out With Friends, and kicks off Saturday, August 11th with Midnight Bowling at Sydney’s Heather Lanes beginning at 9:30pm. This event has proven to be a great way to bring both the gay and straight communities together for a fun-filled evening. In the past, this has also proven to be a great fundraiser. Tickets are $10. each, and tickets will be sold during the night for a chance at the prize wheel. Free pizza is also on the menu!

Our annual Pride Parade takes place Sunday, August 12th at 1pm. The parade will travel through the downtown area ending at Louisa Field in Sydney’s northend for our post-parade party. A free bar-b-que and games for children will highlight the afternoon. Any organizations wishing to take part in our parade, or set up a kiosk at Louisa Field is asked to be in touch with us.

Monday night, August 13th will see Miss Onya Inya back by popular demand as she hosts this year’s instalment of Gay Bingo at the Southend Community Centre. For a night of hilarity and great prizes, this event is not to be missed. Bingo cards are just $1. each, and the games begin at 9pm.

On Tuesday, August 14th we host our Movie Night at the Southend Community Centre. Three movies will be offered for screening beginning at 6:30pm. Admission is free, and our first movie will be for all ages, with the final two for those 19 years and older.

On Wednesday night, August 15th, it’s our annual MusicFest and Pub Night at the Southend Community Centre. Come out and enjoy the sounds and talents of some of Cape Breton Island’s most talented performers. Admission is by donation.

On Thursday, August 13th, the Southend Community Centre will be the center for an afternoon and evening of Family Fun. There’ll be games, prizes, refreshments and entertainment for the whole family.

On Friday, August 17th we’ll host our annual Beach Party beginning at 2pm. This year’s gathering will take place at Morrison Beach near Framboise. Bring your beach chairs and your sunscreen, and we’ll supply the marshmallows! Maybe we can even help apply that sunscreen for you!

On Saturday night, August 18th we wrap up the week’s events with our annual Pride Dance at the Horizon Achievement Centre in Sydney. Beginning at 9pm and running until 2pm, admission is just $6., and door prizes will be given out throughout the night.

Please check out our website, www.pridecapebreton.com for more details of our events, including maps to the various venues. Be sure to check our site regularly to see what we’re up to throughout the year. While you’re there, check out our message board; your comments are always welcomed!