Yes, Pride is political — and potentially partisan. Especially in Vancouver this year, where the theme of the 37th celebration is Gender Superheroes. The BC Liberals have been tarred as villains and barred entry for refusing to sign the Trans Equality Now pledge, a condition required of all parade participants. Tim Ell, a former director of the Vancouver Pride Society, resigned last weekend, accusing the organization of playing politics.
But Pride is also about parties and celebration. So whether you’re looking for an orgy or a quaint kitchen dinner, here’s Vv Magazine’s Ultimate 7-Day 2015 Pride Guide for superheroes of all gender variants and political persuasions. Get your party started now!
7 DAYS OF PRIDE
TUESDAY JULY 28
Sister Mary’s a Dyke?!
A Catholic schoolgirl transforms from powerhouse prayer girl to anti-Vatican freedom fighter. The coming-out solo show premiers as part of the two-week-long Queer Arts Festival.
Twisted Cooks
Channel your inner Julia Child at this community kitchen dinner “in which older queers plan, purchase, cook, eat and clean up a wonderful meal in a life-affirming and fun evening.”
WEDNEDSAY JULY 29
Pride Bingo for Life
Celebrities Night Club has your number. There will be brilliant prizes, cheap drinks and snappy drag queens at the fundraising game for Friends For Life.
Pride Faux Girls
Emperor XLIV Eric Roay and Empress XLIV Babette Co-Taylor roll out the red carpet at the Junction Pub.
THURSDAY JULY 30
Underwear Party
Prep your package and strip down to your skivvies for a lustful night of partying at the PumpJack Pub.
Sissy that walk and roll back in time with these gay fabulous throwback fetes: Spice Gurls Drag Reunion Show and Discotech Pride.
FRIDAY JULY 31
Trans, Twospirit & Genderqueer Liberation and Celebration March
Express yourself at the non-City-sanctioned political protest march and celebration of gender diversity, starting at Clark Park.
Davie Street Block Party
Or take back the streets in a more official capacity. All three blocks of Davie Street Village will be fence-free for the first time.
Girls at Sea… Hot & Wet: The Original Women’s Pride Boat Cruise is billed as “the sexiest ship to ever cruise the Straight”; Chicks Ahoy is calling all “fly-girls and friends of all stripes to take their hijinks to the high seas for a naughty night of nautical fun.”
Canadian Aviation Pride Meet N’ Greet
It’s a Mile-High Club Mega Reunion. Canadian Aviation Pride welcomes all LGBTQ2+ aviators, allies and enthusiasts.
Back Door
Bad boys unite at a secret warehouse space transformed into a sexy dance floor with intimate lounges and an outdoor smoking terrace. Organized by the radical, artist-run Vancouver Art and Leisure.
SATURDAY AUGUST 1
12th Annual Vancouver Dyke Mark & Festival
The family-friendly celebration of queer women marches from McSpadden Park to the Grandview Park festival via Commercial Drive, staring at noon.
But first, fuel up at the Terry Wallace Memorial Breakfast.
Laugh Out Loud
An evening of giggles starring Elvira Kurt, host of The Comedy Network’s Popcultured.
SUNDAY AUGUST 2 – PRIDE DAY
PRIDE PARADE
Gender Superheroes is the theme for the 37th edition of the Vancouver Pride Parade, renowned as one of the largest and most successful LGBTQ2+ events in the world. Expect for than 650,000 spectators cheering on the real-life heroes, role models, costumed sidekicks and floats as the march winds through the city from noon to 3 p.m.
Pride Festival at Sunset Beach
Keep the party going until 6 p.m. at the waterfront festival featuring a market, main stage, beer garden, family zone and puppy play area.
Chicas in the Afternoon
The legendary post-parade afternoon party for women and friends.
Pride Youth Dance
Dance the night away in safe, sober space for youths aged 14 to 25.
Pink: The Official Pride After Party
Squeeze every last drop out of the celebrations with a last late-night hurrah at Lips Restaurant.
Untoxicated
Who says you can’t have fun without getting high? Glamazonian princess Alaska Thunderfuck from RuPaul’s Drag Race hosts this salaciously sober celebration, a safe space for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Celebrities Marathon
Prove your super-human power of endurance at Celebrities’ 13-hour party marathon.
Pride with Babe Bang
An all-ladies daytime sex party! Featuring water guns, free lube and performers.
Hotline
Late-night ladies get up to no good at a secret East Van underground location.
Pride Hershe Bar – Where the Girls Are!
For ladies who love a little less aggressively… two clubs, five DJs, neon, confetti, CO2, electrifying music and beautiful people.
MONDAY AUGUST 3
Recovery Party
Because sometimes even the bravest superheroes are suckers for punishment.
For even more events, check out the Vancouver Pride Society listings.
Related Link: How not to die from heat in Vancouver
Did we miss any Vancouver Pride 2015 events? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
