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Rainbow stair painting at the Richmond Cultural Centre is just one festival activity planned for Pride Week by the City of Richmond.

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Richmond offers wide menu of Pride Week opportunities

By Lorraine Graves

Published 2:48 PDT, Thu July 26, 2018

Last Updated: 2:12 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Dorothy Jo, Richmond’s inclusion coordinator says our community has much to offer for this year’s Pride Week, July 30 to Aug. 5.

According to Jo, “Pride Week is a City-wide celebration of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S) communities.”

In addition to numerous colourful displays across our municipality, a host of city facilities offers activities for a variety of ages free of charge. So mark your calendars. There’s lots of fun to be had.

It all kicks off Thursday, July 26 with the Richmond Media lab sponsoring the painting of a rainbow at the entrance to the Richmond Cultural Centre. It is appropriate for ages 13 to 24 and is free. Just show up ready to paint.

For all of Pride Week, Monday, July 30 to Friday, Aug. 3, the Steveston Interurban Tram from 1 to 4 p.m. offers free activities. They say, “Join us for pride-themed crafts. Explore Tram Car 1220 and learn more about the history of the interurban line in Richmond.”

As well, all Pride Week, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. daily, the Steveston Museum and Visitor Centre has free pride-themed crafts in Town Square Park. Participants are invited to explore the exhibits in the Steveston Museum and the Japanese Fishermen’s Benevolent Society Building to learn more about Steveston’s unique history.

Also ongoing all five days is Pride Week at the Richmond Museum. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the museum in the Richmond Cultural Centre. As it is for all visitors to our community’s museum, there is no admission charge but donations are always welcome. Be sure to sign the guest book. The museum enigmatically says, “Visit the Our Journeys Here exhibition to learn how one woman’s story was a matter of Pride.”

There is also a vast menu of other options on specific days throughout Pride Week.

The Rainbow Social, such a hit last year, is back at the West Richmond Community Centre on Tuesday, July 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. This informal gathering is open to all ages.

Also on Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. is A Splash of Pride at South Arm Community Centre. It’s an outdoor party featuring snacks, water activities, a water balloon fight, and other fun activities and open free to ages 13-24.

On Wednesday, Aug. 1 the Hamilton Community Centre offers, Pride Week Coffee Group from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This drop-in is free for all ages in the centre’s community living room and offers a chance to celebrate Pride Week with refreshments, treats and fellowship.

On Wednesday you also have the opportunity to paint your own rainbow at the City Centre Community Centre where they invite all ages to drop in to the community living room to create rainbow art and enjoy complimentary punch.

You are invited to show your pride and support, Thursday, Aug. 2 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Thompson Community Centre where they say, “Join us for fun and interactive games and activities during an inclusive day of celebration.” Free. All ages welcome.

On Thursday, Aug. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. the Brighouse Library offers Pride Button Making with the Richmond Youth Media Program at the library’s Community Table. Aimed at ages 13 to 24, the group says, “Come and make a button to celebrate LGBTQA+ Pride.”

City inclusion coordinator Jo says, “The City of Richmond strives to create a safe and inclusive community by acknowledging and valuing diversity, and promoting opportunities for dialogue, celebration, and connection. “

She also suggests you check back for new information and updates.

For more information about Pride Week, please contact Dorothy Jo, Inclusion Coordinator, at Dorothy.Jo@richmond.ca or 604-207-8646.