All the Virtual Pride Events Happening in Canada This Summer
Here are some of the biggest (virtual) parades, shows and ceremonies to tune into this year
COVID-19 may have put a halt on IRL Pride 2020 celebrations, but that doesn’t mean Pride is cancelled. Not only is Pride an everyday mood, but a lot of the festivities around it are moving online this year. On the plus side, you’re no longer limited to “attending” events just in your city or travelling to get to events—Pride 2020 is coming right to your screen instead. And, you won’t need to worry about withstanding potentially gross weather.
Considering that queer, trans and non-binary people are especially vulnerable during quarantine, it’s more important than ever to reflect on the systemic barriers that still exist while celebrating the strength and beauty of LGBTQ communities. Here are all the virtual events being held across the country you can attend this month—and keep checking back, because we’ll be updating this post as more are announced!
Black Queer Collective
The low-down: As part of Toronto Pride, the Black Queer Collective is holding a showcase of Black queer and trans artists. The lineup hasn’t been announced as of publishing time, but there’s guaranteed to be tons of beautiful performances.
When: June 30, 8–10 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: pridetoronto.com
Creating the Rainbow
The low-down: Listen as queer artists in or connected to Toronto discuss how COVID-19 has impacted their art and what they see in the future. A moderated Q&A will follow.
When: June 25, 6:30–10 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: pridetoronto.com
Drag Ball Presented by Crave
The low-down: Excited for Canada’s Drag Race? Get a sneak peek of all 12 queens in action as they perform at Toronto Pride. The event will be available to stream on the Drag Race YouTube channel for a whole week after the show, so it’s extra friendly to those not on Eastern Time.
When: June 27, 8–9 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: pridetoronto.com
Family Pride Fridays
The low-down: Catch this series of kid-friendly shows hosted by Toronto artists (including drag king and friend of FLARE ZacKey Lime) every Friday. Puppets, stories and crafts, oh my!
When: Every Friday in June, 12–1 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: twitch.tv/pridetoronto
FEEYASS! With Club Quarantine
The low-down: Club Quarantine (an online queer and trans club), is co-hosting a Virtual Pride Launch Party with the House of Monroe, “taking it back to the warehouse parties, old-school glam, FEEEYASS drag queens & avant-garde spectators.” DJ Sandy Duperval, DJ Vjuan Allure and Kevin Aviance will be performing.
When: June 1, 9 p.m. to midnight ET
Fees: Free
Find it: pridetoronto.com
Friendly Stranger Digital Drag Show
The low-down: Cannabis shop Friendly Stranger is co-hosting a virtual drag show with hockey player Brock McGillis and Canada’s Drag Race judge Brooke Lynn Hytes. Twelve queens will perform, with net proceeds going to the Glad Day Lit Emergency Survival Fund, which helps support artists, performers and wage tip earners from the Toronto Village Community.
When: June 16, 8 p.m. ET
Fees: Recommended donation of $10 on GoFundMe
Find it: friendlystranger.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_x9XwogASt/
Fruit Loop Pride At Home
The low-down: Edmonton’s Fruit Loop Society is moving their annual Pride celebration online. Performers including Cedar Wildcat, Duke Carson and Beau Creep will be livestreamed from The Starlite Room, and the event will be in support of the Edmonton 2 Spirit Society.
When: June 13, 8–9:30 p.m. MT
Fees: Free
Find it: fruitloop.ca
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBvP94QF1zo/
Global Pride
The low-down: Spend 24 hours with performers, world leaders, activists and more from across the world. Confirmed guests include Big Freedia, Laverne Cox and Adam Lambert. No matter your time zone, there’ll be lots to see.
When: June 27, 1 a.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: globalpride2020.org
Guelph Pride Pop-Up Poetry
The low-down: Guelph Pride is inviting local poets to take part in their Pride poetry event, co-hosted with Guelph Spoken Word. Apply to be part of it, or wait until the open mic at the end if you’re feeling daring.
When: June 6, 6:30–9:30 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: Check the Facebook event page
LatinXplosión
The low-down: Comedian Monica Garrido will host this Latinx-centred party, featuring DJ Ana Luisa, drag king group Boi Band and the Boy Band and more.
When: June 29, 8 p.m. to midnight ET
Fees: Free
Find it: pridetoronto.com
LGBTQ 101 Virtual Workshop
The low-down: Co-hosted by the Calgary Queer Arts Society and Calgary Pride, this workshop will explore the language around identity and self-expression used by LGBTQ+ communities, as well as the history and current status of LGBTQ+ rights. Though geared toward creating effective allyship, LGBTQ+ people looking to learn more about these topics may also want to participate.
When: June 28, 1 p.m. MT
Fees: $10
Find it: calgarypride.ca
MCC Toronto 28th Annual Pride Celebration Service
The low-down: For LGBTQ+ Christians, the Metropolitan Community Church will have its annual celebration online, just a few hours before the official Toronto Pride parade. This year’s title is “Church on Church on Line,” and its theme is Divine Feminine,
When: June 28, 11 a.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: Check the Facebook event page
https://www.instagram.com/p/CADmulXn-iy/
Saskatoon Virtual Pride Parade
The low-down: The 2020 Saskatoon Pride theme is “Be Strong, Be Proud, Be You.” Everyone, from performers to allies, small groups to individuals, are invited to be part of the virtual parade. People are even encouraged to submit their designs and illustrations or decorated bikes and cars as floats. Coupled with even more performances afterward, it’s guaranteed to be amazing.
When: June 20, time TBA
Fees: Free
Find it: saskatoonpride.ca
SodaStream Virtual Drag Brunch
The low-down: Join Toronto drag queens Miss Fiercalicious and Sofonda Cox for a round of stunning performances (and drinks) as they celebrate the June 5 launch of their “For the Love of Tomorrow” SodaStream kits. All sales profits will benefit PFLAG Canada.
When: June 14, 11 a.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: SodaStream’s Instagram Live
The Link Up
The low-down: Get ready to party to some Afro beats, Soca and Dancehall, courtesy of DJ Soulsis and DJ Razaqeltoro.Onkoya. C-Flava dance collective will be performing for this virtual party.
When: June 18, 4–9 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: pridetoronto.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_bhdcJjGaK/
The Vicarious Show
The low-down: Victoria-based artists Shelita Cox and Henrietta Dubet host an online drag show, filled with special guests and spectacular performances, every single week.
When: Every Saturday at 8 p.m. PT, until July 11
Fees: Free
Find it: victoriapridesociety.org
Toronto Dyke March
The low-down: The Pride Toronto Dyke March theme is ”We’re still here!” Like the Trans & Non-Binary Rally, there will be a mix of live and pre-recorded performances, speeches and art, and all members of Toronto’s dyke community are encouraged to apply.
When: June 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: Apply to perform or speak here; pridetoronto.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_peSi0Ioph/
Toronto Pride Parade
The low-down: Tune into what’s sure to be a huge show of community highlights, followed by a virtual dance party. A surprise performance has also been teased…
When: June 28, 2–4 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: Find month-long Virtual Pride programming info here; pridetoronto.com
Toronto Trans & Non-Binary Rally
The low-down: This year’s theme for the Pride Toronto Trans & Non-Binary Rally is “Kinder and Stronger Together.” A mix of live and pre-recorded speeches, performances, spoken word and other art will be shown—and you can apply to be part of it!
When: June 26, 1–3 p.m. ET
Fees: Free
Find it: Apply to perform or speak here; pridetoronto.com
Van Vogue Jam Home Improvement Kiki Ball
The low-down: Watch or participate in an epic voguing competition, co-hosted by Vancouver Pride Society and Van Vogue Jam. A total of $1,700 is being given out in prizes! Have no idea how to vogue? Don’t worry—Van Vogue Jams is hosting a series of virtual lessons leading up to the ball.
When: July 29, 5–9 p.m. PT
Fees: Free or by donation, with 50 percent of all donations going to Black Lives Matter Vancouver.
Find it: Check the Eventbrite page
