Global pandemic pushing pause on many Pride Month events while others go virtual
Barrie and Simcoe Pride both working on safe, healthy ways of celebrating pride
Like many things, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a damper on Pride Month.
Barrie Pride President Jessie Lawson says the whole season is in flux. “Barrie Pride’s events calendar remains changeable due to our priorities of health and safety, and the impact of COVID,” Lawson said via email to Barrie 360. “As of now, our fall (Sept/Oct) calendar has 14 events in the planning stage,” she added.
Barrie Pride is tentatively planning an in-person get together in July. Its first small, outdoor event of the season is subject to health and safety concerns.
Meanwhile, Lawson highlighted some virtual events coming up, including a night of remembrance for the victims of the June 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The remembrance event will take place on Friday, June 12 on the Barrie Pride Facebook page.
On Saturday (June 13), the group’s Facebook page will host some fun events including performances from local drag queens, along with a DJ house party to be enjoyed online. More details about upcoming events can be found on the Barrie Pride website.
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Across the county, Simcoe Pride has a few ideas. Interim President Keegan Hobson tells Barrie 360 the group plans to move key events to a virtual platform but has no dates set. “Our Board is hard at work to make sure we can pull everything we have planned off in a good way,” said Hobson.
Further details of Simcoe Pride events are expected to be added to its website.
