First-ever Collingwood Pride takes innovative approach to festival lineup

Let your rainbow flag fly, because Pride is coming to Collingwood next month.

The Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay is gearing up for the inaugural Collingwood Pride festival from July 15 to 18, with a diverse slate of socially distanced and virtual fun for members of the LGBTQ community and allies.

“In a way, it was almost nice because we knew there were going to be restrictions in gathering for quite some time,” said Collingwood Pride managing director Andrew Siegwart. “Moving it to the digital platform allowed us to choose a date in advance, commit to that alternative delivery method and I think, it gave everyone something to look forward to.

“It’s pretty innovative,” he added.

The virtual element of Collingwood Pride will be taking place July 15 and 16. It will feature speakers, educators and entertainers all celebrating LGBTQ+ life, including host and moderator Leslie Roberts (CTV News), keynote speakers Carole Pope (singer, songwriter, actress and activist), Carson Arthur (global landscape designer and HGTV personality) and Kurtis Gabriel (hockey forward for the San Jose Sharks), as well as local dignitaries.

The event will include Drag Queens and Kings hosting trivia breaks, make-up tutorials, lip-sync breaks and interactive games. There will also be celebrity cameo appearances by Jann Arden, Carson Kressley, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Priyanka and Fortune Feimster in addition to panels on diverse topics led by local community speakers.

In-person events will include an official reveal of the Town of Collingwood’s Rainbow Crosswalk, a Pride flag-raising, downtown decor celebrations and individual events put on by downtown businesses. All in-person events will abide by COVID-19 safety recommendations from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

In advance of Pride, Siegwart said the Rainbow Club has run sensitivity workshops with local businesses.

“People are really embracing it and are excited about it. I think it really means something to everyone to know you can build your life, career and start your family in a community like Collingwood that has that small-town feel but still has that progressive mindset,” he said.

“I think, when people leave larger centres it’s the one thing they’re nervous about and fearful of, is they won’t be able to have that same level of inclusivity in their lives,” said Siegwart. “It’s really bold that Collingwood has embraced it so much.”

While Pride was started originally as a march of protest, Siegwart says festivities have changed over time while also becoming more inclusive.

“It can provide people with education and information,” he said “It’s one thing to be a member of the LGBTQ community and have access to that, but it’s another when you’re newly out and haven’t quite found those networks yet, or if you’re a parent or family member of someone who has recently come out and you’re looking for support or resources.”

“Pride festivals are a great place for people to find each other,” said Siegwart.

The full lineup of virtual events will be released a week prior to the festival. To register to attend Collingwood Pride, or to get more information including participating businesses or how to volunteer, click here.