Guelph Winter Pride 2015

Guelph Winter Pride – Guelph Pride organizes annual events for the Guelph community which aim to bring together the Guelph queer and ally communities as well as address issues surrounding the queer community in a safe, educational manner. Guelph, Ontario; Feb 4–7, 2015

Many major Canadian cities run their own Pride events including Toronto, London,Vancouver, and Kitchener-Waterloo. A number of Guelphites felt Guelph needed its own Pride events because Guelph’s queer community was growing. As a result, a group of people from the queer community came together and planned a picnic for June 14, 2003. The First Pride Picnic took place at Royal City Park across from the Boathouse. The event was sponsored by Guelph Queer Equality and Tri-Pride. The revenue was donated to Out On The Shelf. The Pride picnic happened in 2004 and 2005.

Guelph Winter Pride 2015

June of 2003 saw Guelph’s first annual Pride Picnic. A need had been recognized for Guelph to host its own Pride event for LGBTTSIQQ people, their family, friends and allies. Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto are destinations for their annual Pride celebrations, and it was felt that Guelphites would benefit from a fun and family-friendly event of our own.

Our goals have been to provide visibility to LGBTTSIQQ people and allies, and to promote volunteerism within the queer community of Guelph. We provide opportunity for people to learn about and access various local social service groups. Of course we also want to have a great time!

In Winter 2013, to better engage University of Guelph students with Guelph Pride events, the committee decided to run a separate Pride festival called Winter Pride. In May 2013, Guelph Pride celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Guelph Pride, as an organization, has grown tremendously and has had many positive effects on the community. Guelph Pride will continue to grow and engage all members of the community as the years progress.

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