Latest news with #CapitalPride
CBC
20 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Capital Pride facing campaign to restore pro-Palestinian statement to its website
Social Sharing An advocacy campaign is calling for Capital Pride to bring back a polarizing statement in support of Palestinians that it removed from its website ahead of this year's Pride Month. Capital Pride, the group that organizes Pride Month in Ottawa, said it removed the statement as part of an "online refresh" aimed at focusing on this year's theme of "We are the village." Queers for Palestine says it represents 70 organizations calling on Capital Pride to reaffirm the statement. "Capital Pride needs to choose between standing with us and standing with the institutions that boycotted and pressured them last year," Masha Davidovic, a member of Queers for Palestine — Ottawa, told CBC's All In A Day on Monday. "It's really clear that overwhelmingly, the feeling of our community is that solidarity values and Pride as a protest is really what they want to see from our prides more and more, especially at times like this," she said. Capital Pride had hoped to avoid the controversy it stirred during last year's Pride Month when it issued a polarizing "solidarity with Palestine" statement that provoked a backlash. The statement included four "commitments" relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including pledges to recognize the "ongoing genocide" in Gaza, integrate a boycott list into its sponsorship reviews, host a "queer Arab showcase" and call for a ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and increased humanitarian aid. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa called the statement " antisemitic" and said it would boycott the Pride parade in response. Other groups and individuals withdrew their support and sponsorship from some Pride Month events, among them Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Ottawa hospitals, school boards and the Liberal Party of Canada. Davidovic said last year's withdrawal of support looked like "bullying and censoring" from non-2SLGBTQ+ groups. "What we saw was non-LGBT organizations, politicians, corporations pulling their support from our community and making their allyship with us and their support for us conditional on us censoring our own protest in solidarity values," she said. "That's not real allyship." Capital Pride's executive director Callie Metler said the organization removed the statement in support of Palestinians as part of a website update, but it stands by its "principles and values." "Every year, we refresh our online environment and we focus on new issues and new concerns in our community," she told CBC's Ottawa Morning on Monday. "This year we're focusing on the theme 'We are the village' to really just bring home the fact that we are stronger together. And when 2SLGBTQ rights are under attack across this country and south of the border, we need to come together as a village." She continued: "The principles and the values that we expressed in that statement continue to guide the organizing of the 2025 festival." Some Jewish groups have welcomed Capital Pride's efforts to mend bridges. The Jewish Federation of Ottawa will be returning to this year's Pride parade, according to federation president Adam Silver. "We acknowledge that Capital Pride leadership has met several times with queer and ally Jewish leaders in our community and taken important steps to rebuild trust," Silver wrote in a statement to CBC.
Ottawa Citizen
10-08-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Capital Pride quietly removes controversial 2024 Palestine solidarity statement
The Pride Movement is inherently political for Masha Davidovic, a member of Queers for Palestine – Ottawa group. Article content 'Many of our community members live at the intersection of different identities that can't be separated from each other,' she said. 'Those solidarity values are a key part of our history.' Article content Article content So, for Davidovic, Capital Pride's Aug. 6, 2024, statement in solidarity with Palestine set 'a positive tone.' Article content 'Much more diverse sections of our community felt a sense of belonging, and it was an experience that lived up to the slogans that are so widely felt in our community,' she said of Pride festivities last year. Article content Article content Article content Organizing group Capital Pride's 2024 statement — recognizing the 'ongoing genocide' in Gaza and promising to integrate a boycott list into sponsorship reviews — sparked widespread controversy. Now, with this year's Pride Parade looming around the corner on Aug. 24, groups have noticed that Capital Pride has quietly taken down their 2024 statement. Article content While some organizations that boycotted last year have pledged to march in this year's parade, some groups are calling for the statement of support for Palestine to be brought back. Article content Article content 'While Capital Pride did remove the 2024 statement in support of Palestine from our online environment, we do not retract our position,' wrote Capital Pride executive director Callie Metler in an emailed statement. 'The values we expressed continue to be guiding principles of our organization.' Article content Capital Pride did not respond to questions about when or why the statement was dropped from their website. Article content Various organizations and people who boycotted last year's Pride affirmed their plan to participate in the 2025 festivities. Article content 'The Ontario Liberal Party chose not to march in last year's Capital Pride parade because members felt Capital Pride's statement did not reflect the spirit of inclusion we believe in, and some in Ottawa's 2SLGBTQIA+ community felt unwelcome as a result,' wrote Kathryn McGarry, president of the Ontario Liberal Party, in an emailed statement.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What's planned for Pride month in Ottawa this August
With August being Pride month, there is no shortage of events around Ottawa celebrating the breadth of the 2SLGBTQ+ culture and experience. This year, Capital Pride is doing its big parade event on Aug. 24. on Elgin and Laurier streets. In addition to that, other groups are holding their own events throughout the month. The following list is organized by date but it is not comprehensive; there are many events throughout the city and organizers near you may be planning celebrations. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge Date: Aug. 1-31. Hosted by: National Arts Centre. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge is a pop-up exhibit by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It examines a period known as "the Purge," when the Canadian government instigated, harassed and expelled 2SLGBTQ+ members of the armed forces from the 1950s to the 1990s. The event is free. Afternoon Tea Dance Date: Aug. 3. Hosted by: Homo Phono and The Grove. Afternoon Tea Dance, held by Homo Phone, is an event inspired by tea dance events organized in the American gay community originating in New York in the 1950s and 1960s. The original dances included tea services rather than alcohol as it was illegal to serve alcohol to queer and transgender people, organizers of this event explain in the description. Masks are mandatory for this event, which is also substance-free and sober friendly. Queer Bike Club Backpacking Trip Date: Aug. 9-10. Hosted by: Queer Bike Club. Queer Bike Club Ottawa is doing a weekend bike packing trip to Merrickville, Ont. It will be a 55-kilometre overnight trip to the Merrickville lock station. There is a sign up deadline of Aug. 4. The group also has other events running in August, including a social ride from Strathcona Park to Rockcliffe Park on Aug. 18. Annual Pride Coffee House Date: Friday, Aug. 15. Hosted by: Tungasuvvingat Inuit and the Inuuqatigiit Centre. The Annual Pride Coffee House is a way for Inuit 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies to come together as a community for Pride. There's a call-out for performers to accompany the food and beverages that guests will enjoy. It's a free event but guests are asked to register if they plan to join the fun. Pride Family Picnic Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Centre33. The Pride Family Picnic will be held in Kanata by a community organization that hosts year-round 2SLGBTQ+ programming. It's specifically targeted at families, so there will be plenty to keep kids — and their parents — entertained. Beach Bums Tournament Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Pride Capital Volleyball. Pride Capital Volleyball is a community group of volleyball enthusiasts of all skill levels. It regularly hosts youth and adult drop-in games, plus several leagues for competitive players. Its special tournament in August is called Beach Bums and is aimed at "intermediate/advanced" players in teams of four. If you want to play, there's a registration fee and you'll need to confirm your roster by early August. Spectators are also encouraged to turn out to support the players. Pride Night Market Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Little Jo Berry's and Venus Envy Ottawa. Pride Night Market will be held at the Parkdale Market and will feature over 60 small business vendors selling snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, art, and other products. On-leash dogs are welcome and the event will feature live music from local queer performers. Halo-Halo: All-Asian Drag Fiesta Date: Sunday, Aug. 17. Hosted by: Saboroso Bistro and DragSilog Collective. Halo-Halo: All-Asian Drag Fiesta is an event organized by DragSilog Collective, which holds events aiming to celebrate and uplift voices of queer people of colour. The event will celebrate queer Asian joy and diversity along with hot Filipino food. Dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 5 p.m. ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop Date: Aug. 18-22. Hosted by: National Arts Centre. ElderQueers is a workshop event lead by actress Mary Ellen MacLean where attendees can work on their storytelling skills over the course of five sessions. Participants may use movement, puppets, music and the stories they tell can be serious, comic, or both. Tickets cover all five workshop sessions. Queers & Beers Date: Thursday, Aug. 21. Hosted by: Queering613 and Overflow Brewing. Queers & Beers is exactly what it sounds like: a party at a craft brewery with live music. This year, you can expect to see Montreal DJ BLK PRL (aka Sandy Duperval) and Ottawa-born musician OK Naledi. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and performances start at 8 p.m. You can get tickets online or at the door. Street Festival Date: Aug. 23-24. Hosted by: Capital Pride. The 2025 edition of the annual Capital Pride street festival will feature community organizations, political groups, and a craft fair. Drag & Balls Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: OQSL and Bruce House. Drag & Balls is an annual charity softball event organized to support Bruce House, a local organization which helps people in Ottawa living with HIV and AIDS. The event includes a drag softball game and party. /this year's theme is Drag & Balls: Disco Inferno, so guests will be treated to "fierce" '70s fashion and "groovy tunes" hosted by Ottawa's DJ POWRHAUS. Bliss Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Lez Go and Queen St. Fare. If you're into Ottawa's lesbian scene, you might be familiar with Lez Go: a group of "lesbian+" people that hosts community events for its members. This Pride month, you can attend its Bliss party at Queen St. Fare in downtown Ottawa. The festivities start around 7:30 p.m., and its website says you can expect a raffle, designated singles tables and performers like Rachelle Behrens and Rëa. Ottawa Dyke March Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Ottawa Dyke March. The Ottawa Dyke March will be held the day before Capital Pride's Pride Parade, by a community group of the same name which describes itself as "devoted to creating spaces for dykes and their families, friends and allies." It will start at Minto Park that afternoon and end with a community gathering with food, face painting and other activities. Pride Square Dance Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Ottawa Date Squares The Ottawa Date Squares is a local square dancing group that hosts events throughout the year. If you're in the mood to shake your feet this Pride Month, consider attending their Pride Dance. This free event welcomes participants with any level of experience and doesn't require you to bring a partner. They teach you everything you need to know and let the music take it from there. Pride Parade Date: Sunday, Aug. 24. Hosted by: Capital Pride. The Pride Parade, held annually by Capital Pride, will take place on the first day of its two-day festival. Dozens of local groups march in the parade and everyone is invited to watch the spectacle. Drag Bingo Date: Sunday, Aug. 31. Hosted by: Hammond Golf and Broken Stick Brewery. A few kilometres east of Ottawa, the Hammond Golf and Country Club is hosting a drag bingo event, hosted by drag artist and former Ms. Capital Pride, Devona Coe. Admission includes four rounds of bingo with four cards per round. Funds raised will be donated to Family Services Ottawa's Around the Rainbow program, according to the website.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What's planned for Pride month in Ottawa this August
With August being Pride month, there is no shortage of events around Ottawa celebrating the breadth of the 2SLGBTQ+ culture and experience. This year, Capital Pride is doing its big parade event on Aug. 24. on Elgin and Laurier streets. In addition to that, other groups are holding their own events throughout the month. The following list is organized by date but it is not comprehensive; there are many events throughout the city and organizers near you may be planning celebrations. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge Date: Aug. 1-31. Hosted by: National Arts Centre. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge is a pop-up exhibit by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It examines a period known as "the Purge," when the Canadian government instigated, harassed and expelled 2SLGBTQ+ members of the armed forces from the 1950s to the 1990s. The event is free. Afternoon Tea Dance Date: Aug. 3. Hosted by: Homo Phono and The Grove. Afternoon Tea Dance, held by Homo Phone, is an event inspired by tea dance events organized in the American gay community originating in New York in the 1950s and 1960s. The original dances included tea services rather than alcohol as it was illegal to serve alcohol to queer and transgender people, organizers of this event explain in the description. Masks are mandatory for this event, which is also substance-free and sober friendly. Queer Bike Club Backpacking Trip Date: Aug. 9-10. Hosted by: Queer Bike Club. Queer Bike Club Ottawa is doing a weekend bike packing trip to Merrickville, Ont. It will be a 55-kilometre overnight trip to the Merrickville lock station. There is a sign up deadline of Aug. 4. The group also has other events running in August, including a social ride from Strathcona Park to Rockcliffe Park on Aug. 18. Annual Pride Coffee House Date: Friday, Aug. 15. Hosted by: Tungasuvvingat Inuit and the Inuuqatigiit Centre. The Annual Pride Coffee House is a way for Inuit 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies to come together as a community for Pride. There's a call-out for performers to accompany the food and beverages that guests will enjoy. It's a free event but guests are asked to register if they plan to join the fun. Pride Family Picnic Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Centre33. The Pride Family Picnic will be held in Kanata by a community organization that hosts year-round 2SLGBTQ+ programming. It's specifically targeted at families, so there will be plenty to keep kids — and their parents — entertained. Beach Bums Tournament Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Pride Capital Volleyball. Pride Capital Volleyball is a community group of volleyball enthusiasts of all skill levels. It regularly hosts youth and adult drop-in games, plus several leagues for competitive players. Its special tournament in August is called Beach Bums and is aimed at "intermediate/advanced" players in teams of four. If you want to play, there's a registration fee and you'll need to confirm your roster by early August. Spectators are also encouraged to turn out to support the players. Pride Night Market Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Little Jo Berry's and Venus Envy Ottawa. Pride Night Market will be held at the Parkdale Market and will feature over 60 small business vendors selling snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, art, and other products. On-leash dogs are welcome and the event will feature live music from local queer performers. Halo-Halo: All-Asian Drag Fiesta Date: Sunday, Aug. 17. Hosted by: Saboroso Bistro and DragSilog Collective. Halo-Halo: All-Asian Drag Fiesta is an event organized by DragSilog Collective, which holds events aiming to celebrate and uplift voices of queer people of colour. The event will celebrate queer Asian joy and diversity along with hot Filipino food. Dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 5 p.m. ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop Date: Aug. 18-22. Hosted by: National Arts Centre. ElderQueers is a workshop event lead by actress Mary Ellen MacLean where attendees can work on their storytelling skills over the course of five sessions. Participants may use movement, puppets, music and the stories they tell can be serious, comic, or both. Tickets cover all five workshop sessions. Queers & Beers Date: Thursday, Aug. 21. Hosted by: Queering613 and Overflow Brewing. Queers & Beers is exactly what it sounds like: a party at a craft brewery with live music. This year, you can expect to see Montreal DJ BLK PRL (aka Sandy Duperval) and Ottawa-born musician OK Naledi. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and performances start at 8 p.m. You can get tickets online or at the door. Street Festival Date: Aug. 23-24. Hosted by: Capital Pride. The 2025 edition of the annual Capital Pride street festival will feature community organizations, political groups, and a craft fair. Drag & Balls Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: OQSL and Bruce House. Drag & Balls is an annual charity softball event organized to support Bruce House, a local organization which helps people in Ottawa living with HIV and AIDS. The event includes a drag softball game and party. /this year's theme is Drag & Balls: Disco Inferno, so guests will be treated to "fierce" '70s fashion and "groovy tunes" hosted by Ottawa's DJ POWRHAUS. Bliss Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Lez Go and Queen St. Fare. If you're into Ottawa's lesbian scene, you might be familiar with Lez Go: a group of "lesbian+" people that hosts community events for its members. This Pride month, you can attend its Bliss party at Queen St. Fare in downtown Ottawa. The festivities start around 7:30 p.m., and its website says you can expect a raffle, designated singles tables and performers like Rachelle Behrens and Rëa. Ottawa Dyke March Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Ottawa Dyke March. The Ottawa Dyke March will be held the day before Capital Pride's Pride Parade, by a community group of the same name which describes itself as "devoted to creating spaces for dykes and their families, friends and allies." It will start at Minto Park that afternoon and end with a community gathering with food, face painting and other activities. Pride Square Dance Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Ottawa Date Squares The Ottawa Date Squares is a local square dancing group that hosts events throughout the year. If you're in the mood to shake your feet this Pride Month, consider attending their Pride Dance. This free event welcomes participants with any level of experience and doesn't require you to bring a partner. They teach you everything you need to know and let the music take it from there. Pride Parade Date: Sunday, Aug. 24. Hosted by: Capital Pride. The Pride Parade, held annually by Capital Pride, will take place on the first day of its two-day festival. Dozens of local groups march in the parade and everyone is invited to watch the spectacle. Drag Bingo Date: Sunday, Aug. 31. Hosted by: Hammond Golf and Broken Stick Brewery. A few kilometres east of Ottawa, the Hammond Golf and Country Club is hosting a drag bingo event, hosted by drag artist and former Ms. Capital Pride, Devona Coe. Admission includes four rounds of bingo with four cards per round. Funds raised will be donated to Family Services Ottawa's Around the Rainbow program, according to the website.
CBC
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
What's planned for Pride month in Ottawa this August
Social Sharing With August being Pride month, there is no shortage of events around Ottawa celebrating the breadth of the 2SLGBTQ+ culture and experience. This year, Capital Pride is doing its big parade event on Aug. 24. on Elgin and Laurier streets. In addition to that, other groups are holding their own events throughout the month. The following list is organized by date but it is not comprehensive; there are many events throughout the city and organizers near you may be planning celebrations. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge Date: Aug. 1-31. Hosted by: National Arts Centre. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada's LGBT Purge is a pop-up exhibit by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It examines a period known as "the Purge," when the Canadian government instigated, harassed and expelled 2SLGBTQ+ members of the armed forces from the 1950s to the 1990s. The event is free. Afternoon Tea Dance Date: Aug. 3. Hosted by: Homo Phono and The Grove. Afternoon Tea Dance, held by Homo Phone, is an event inspired by tea dance events organized in the American gay community originating in New York in the 1950s and 1960s. The original dances included tea services rather than alcohol as it was illegal to serve alcohol to queer and transgender people, organizers of this event explain in the description. Masks are mandatory for this event, which is also substance-free and sober friendly. Queer Bike Club Backpacking Trip Date: Aug. 9-10. Hosted by: Queer Bike Club. Queer Bike Club Ottawa is doing a weekend bike packing trip to Merrickville, Ont. It will be a 55-kilometre overnight trip to the Merrickville lock station. There is a sign up deadline of Aug. 4. The group also has other events running in August, including a social ride from Strathcona Park to Rockcliffe Park on Aug. 18. Annual Pride Coffee House Date: Friday, Aug. 15. Hosted by: Tungasuvvingat Inuit and the Inuuqatigiit Centre. The Annual Pride Coffee House is a way for Inuit 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies to come together as a community for Pride. There's a call-out for performers to accompany the food and beverages that guests will enjoy. It's a free event but guests are asked to register if they plan to join the fun. Pride Family Picnic Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Centre33. The Pride Family Picnic will be held in Kanata by a community organization that hosts year-round 2SLGBTQ+ programming. It's specifically targeted at families, so there will be plenty to keep kids — and their parents — entertained. Beach Bums Tournament Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Pride Capital Volleyball. Pride Capital Volleyball is a community group of volleyball enthusiasts of all skill levels. It regularly hosts youth and adult drop-in games, plus several leagues for competitive players. Its special tournament in August is called Beach Bums and is aimed at "intermediate/advanced" players in teams of four. If you want to play, there's a registration fee and you'll need to confirm your roster by early August. Spectators are also encouraged to turn out to support the players. Pride Night Market Date: Saturday, Aug. 16. Hosted by: Little Jo Berry's and Venus Envy Ottawa. Pride Night Market will be held at the Parkdale Market and will feature over 60 small business vendors selling snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, art, and other products. On-leash dogs are welcome and the event will feature live music from local queer performers. Halo-Halo: All-Asian Drag Fiesta Date: Sunday, Aug. 17. Hosted by: Saboroso Bistro and DragSilog Collective. Halo-Halo: All-Asian Drag Fiesta is an event organized by DragSilog Collective, which holds events aiming to celebrate and uplift voices of queer people of colour. The event will celebrate queer Asian joy and diversity along with hot Filipino food. Dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 5 p.m. ElderQueers (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop Date: Aug. 18-22. Hosted by: National Arts Centre. ElderQueers is a workshop event lead by actress Mary Ellen MacLean where attendees can work on their storytelling skills over the course of five sessions. Participants may use movement, puppets, music and the stories they tell can be serious, comic, or both. Tickets cover all five workshop sessions. Queers & Beers Date: Thursday, Aug. 21. Hosted by: Queering613 and Overflow Brewing. Queers & Beers is exactly what it sounds like: a party at a craft brewery with live music. This year, you can expect to see Montreal DJ BLK PRL (aka Sandy Duperval) and Ottawa-born musician OK Naledi. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and performances start at 8 p.m. You can get tickets online or at the door. Street Festival Date: Aug. 23-24. Hosted by: Capital Pride. The 2025 edition of the annual Capital Pride street festival will feature community organizations, political groups, and a craft fair. Drag & Balls Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: OQSL and Bruce House. Drag & Balls is an annual charity softball event organized to support Bruce House, a local organization which helps people in Ottawa living with HIV and AIDS. The event includes a drag softball game and party. /this year's theme is Drag & Balls: Disco Inferno, so guests will be treated to "fierce" '70s fashion and "groovy tunes" hosted by Ottawa's DJ POWRHAUS. Bliss Date: Saturday, Aug. 24. Hosted by: Lez Go and Queen St. Fare. If you're into Ottawa's lesbian scene, you might be familiar with Lez Go: a group of "lesbian+" people that hosts community events for its members. This Pride month, you can attend its Bliss party at Queen St. Fare in downtown Ottawa. The festivities start around 7:30 p.m., and its website says you can expect a raffle, designated singles tables and performers like Rachelle Behrens and Rëa. Ottawa Dyke March Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Ottawa Dyke March. The Ottawa Dyke March will be held the day before Capital Pride's Pride Parade, by a community group of the same name which describes itself as "devoted to creating spaces for dykes and their families, friends and allies." It will start at Minto Park that afternoon and end with a community gathering with food, face painting and other activities. Pride Square Dance Date: Saturday, Aug. 23. Hosted by: Ottawa Date Squares The Ottawa Date Squares is a local square dancing group that hosts events throughout the year. If you're in the mood to shake your feet this Pride Month, consider attending their Pride Dance. This free event welcomes participants with any level of experience and doesn't require you to bring a partner. They teach you everything you need to know and let the music take it from there. Pride Parade Date: Sunday, Aug. 24. Hosted by: Capital Pride. The Pride Parade, held annually by Capital Pride, will take place on the first day of its two-day festival. Dozens of local groups march in the parade and everyone is invited to watch the spectacle. Drag Bingo Date: Sunday, Aug. 31. Hosted by: Hammond Golf and Broken Stick Brewery. A few kilometres east of Ottawa, the Hammond Golf and Country Club is hosting a drag bingo event, hosted by drag artist and former Ms. Capital Pride, Devona Coe.
