Vancouver Pride goes virtual because of COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — In light of the COVID-19 crisis and warnings against large gatherings from the province, Vancouver’s Pride week is going to look a little different this summer.

The Pride Society says it had already been considering alternative options given the COVID-19 restrictions, so now it’s going with its back-up plan — a digital Pride.

This comes after Dr. Bonnie Henry said Saturday that large, summertime events shouldn’t go forward.

Andrea Arnott, executive director for Vancouver’s Pride Society, says Henry’s comments weren’t shocking and the society will work towards digital events throughout Pride season.

“We’re working on some interactive ways to still promote that sense of celebration, coming together, belonging, and it might be a digital Pride Parade,” she explains.

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The annual pride parade was set for August 2.

Arnott says more than 350 pride organizations across the world have had to re-think, postpone, or even cancel Pride this year because of COVID-19.

“It is very devastating. Our community has been resilient through many crises over the years and we will continue to be resilient and come up with a new way to celebrate together,” she tells NEWS 1130.

While the final version of what the parade will look like is still in the works, Arnott says a digital version of the parade might have a video with messages and history and then an online celebration.

“So having performers and artists so that we’re able to offer honorariums and payments to queer artists and performers as well. It will look and feel different, but we are still looking to make a splash on parade day and have that sense of celebration.”

Arnott adds the society will be reaching out to all stakeholders, vendors, sponsors, and parade applicants soon with the updated plans.

-With files from Jon Szekeres