Organizers of the first-ever Pride week in Fort Frances intend to make a little history.
A schedule of events has been released for the week of July 9th that includes entertainment and a march.
Co-chair Doug Judson says that march will begin at Smokey Bear Park in International Falls and end at the Rainy Lake Square in Fort Frances.
“We expect we are the first if not one of the first Pride marches or parades to cross an international border. We have been coordinating with the relative authorities on that. That will be a very historic occasion.”
While intended to recognize the area’s LGBTQ2S community, Judson is hoping others will take part as well.
“The goal this year is visibility. We want to show that there is widespread community support here for LGBTQ2 young people and queer families, and to give area residents and organizations an opportunity to demonstrate that they stand with us as allies.”
Here’s some of what’s planned
Wednesday, July 11: A screening and discussion of the award-winning film Fire Song, which tells the story of a gay Anishinaabe youth in Northern Ontario.
Friday, July 13: ‘Fort Fabulous Friday’ – a reception on Friday, July 13, featuring appearances by drag stars Prairie Sky, Pharaoh Moans, and Cake
Saturday, July 14:
*The ‘Passport to Pride’ March and flag ceremony
* The ‘Community BBQueer’ – a free community lunch with performances by local talent at the Rainy Lake Square.
Sunday, July 15
* A community church service on the themes of LGBTQ2 Pride, inclusion, and diversity.
* Drag Queen Story Hour, featuring one of our visiting queens at a local library.
* A family movie night, showing Love, Simon – a touching story for the GSA-era.
The full listing of events is available on Borderland Pride’s website www.borderlandpride.org and Facebook page.