A pride event is being held on Quadra Island this week to celebrate and acknowledge the regional 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The new Discovery Islands Pride Society is hosting the event. Marcus Greatheart is a local organizer for the new society. Greatheart explained the importance of creating an event that acknowledges the community in surrounding rural areas.

“We have members on our organizing committee, who live across the Discovery Islands. And we really wanted to highlight within this celebration, in part, the experiences of LGBTQ+ folks living in rural communities.”

The Discovery Islands Pride Society is in the process of establishing charitable status. Greatheart elaborates on what little is known of a pride history in the region.

“This is to our knowledge, the first pride event to happen here. I think historically folks have gone over to Campbell river, which has a respectable and fun pride event in June, down at spirit square.”

The newly formed society plans on hosting future events like a movie night in the fall. Greatheart encourages those interested to reach out to the new organization, via their website, with feedback on what is desired in the area.

The Pride Festival and March are Sunday Aug. 14. The march will begin at the Quadra Island Elementary School, gathering at 11: 45 a.m. The event will continue until 3:30 p.m. at the Credit Union grounds with food and artisan vendors. There will be musical performances including a new queer choir from the Comox Valley. A shuttle service will be available to aid in accessibility from the Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal, but reservations ahead of time are required. Organizers encourage folks to reach out if they have any questions or accessibility needs.

Find out all the details about Discovery Islands Pride Society below: