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On Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., Gateway Theatre will be hosting a free event, honouring the unique and personal experiences of local 2SLGBTQI+ community members and their allies.

Photo by Jaana Björk

True Voices: Celebrating Pride and Authenticity at Gateway Theatre

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 3:18 PDT, Tue July 30, 2024

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Gateway Theatre is proud to celebrate Pride in Richmond with a free evening event on Aug. 1. TRUE VOICES: Pride Storytelling & Tea honors the unique and personal experiences of the local 2SLGBTQI+ community members and their allies. This event is part of Richmond's "Pride Together" events and is more than just a performance; it's a heartfelt celebration of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, featuring a series of poignant and personal stories shared by various speakers.

One of the key themes of True Voices is the importance of visibility and representation. By sharing these stories, attendees gain insight into the real-life experiences of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, breaking down stereotypes and building bridges of understanding. This shared experience not only empowers the speakers but also provides a sense of solidarity and support to those in the audience who may be on similar journeys.

True Voices is an evening of stories told by a mix of local artists, writers and everyday community members, each with a unique story to tell. These personal narratives are a testament to the strength and courage it takes to be true to oneself in a world that can often be challenging. The stories cover a range of topics, from coming out experiences and navigating family relationships to the joys and struggles of finding love and acceptance. Storytellers include:

Lea & Joyce "Lessons from an Interracial Relationship”—Demystifying cultural differences and assumptions.

Irene "Coming Out for My Daughter”—That day, my daughter says to me: "Mom, I need to talk to you..."
Jordy Matheson "French Kissing 101" - A young gay person learns about loneliness and love in the city of lights.
Kathleen Oliver "The Green Notebook”—Be careful how you tell your stories and be careful what you write them in.
Nicola Spurling "A Journey to Authenticity”—How I am discovering my identity, transitioning, and settling into a new and ever-changing existence.
Samantha Sun "The Importance of Being Fujoshi (Rotten Girl)”—I never imagined that being a rotten girl would mean so much to me and my family.

True Voices is not just about sharing stories; it's also about celebrating the progress made in the fight for 2SLGBTQI+ rights and equality. The event serves as a reminder of how far the community has come and how much more there is to achieve. It's a call to action for continued support, advocacy, and allyship, urging everyone to contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.

At Gateway Theatre, we are proud to provide a safe space for everybody who are looking to connect, celebrate, and "Pride Together" in Richmond. Attendees can expect an evening filled with heartfelt stories, laughter, tears, and, most importantly, a sense of unity. This special event is free to attend but registration is required. To attend, please register your space at gatewaytheatre.com/tickets/?eid=true-voices. Up to 2 seats per registration.