In one of the dreariest seasons of the year, a local organization is hoping to spread a little light.
Winter Pride is around the corner, taking place from Feb. 15 to 19.
The annual celebration is held across the Festival City and hosted by Stratford Pride Community Centre (SPCC).
“We wanted to do something to celebrate Pride in the doldrums of snowy Stratford,” Ian Middleton, chair of the Winter Pride event, told StratfordToday. “Pride doesn’t have to be pigeonholed to one month in the year.”
It's the third Winter Pride the SPCC has hosted. This year’s theme is 'Birds of a Feather', taking inspiration from the Festival production, La Cage aux Folles.
Middleton said they are focusing on being more inclusive for everyone in the community, working to ensure events are socioeconomically accessible. The events range from completely free to pricier options like the gala night.
Some events, such as a dance party, are ‘pay as you go.’ The SPCC is recommending purchasing a ticket, if available, but Middleton said they will not be turning anyone away who can’t afford to go.
Additionally, the community centre is piloting a partnership program, Winter Pride Partners, allowing other organizations around the city to host events under the Winter Pride umbrella.
Examples include Pursuit Climbing, Matilda Swanson’s Gallery, and The Bunker, set to host an assortment of Pride related events during the week of Winter Pride.
“The community has been fantastic,” Middleton said. “We've really reached out to people in Stratford just to help us carry through Winter Pride, because it's for the whole community … it benefits the entire community, the whole city.”
Getting things started for the SPCC-hosted events is the Greet and Feast Rainbow Potluck on Feb. 15. It is a chance to meet other community members and to bring a favourite dish to share. It takes place at the SPCC from 6 p.m. to 8:30 pm.
On Feb. 16, there is a comedy night planned, featuring Adrienne Fish and Kyle Brownrigg, located at Grayson Mills, 114 Erie St. Doors open at 7 p.m.
The Winter Pride Birds of a Feather Gala is on Feb. 17 in Grayson Mills at 6 p.m. The gala is hosted by Brock Hart, chairperson of the SPCC, and Heather McDowell, executive director, SPCC. It features Lukas Stark, a mentalist, and will include a silent auction.
Food will be provided by local restaurants and all of the auction items have been donated by locals.
Middleton said that he hopes guests take a page out of the MET Gala’s book in New York and dress up in honour of the theme - however they wish to interpret what a 'Birds of a Feather' outfit may look like.
Immediately following the gala, also in Grayson Mills, there will be a dance party with DJ Trish. Music starts at 9 p.m.
A drag brunch at Café Bouffon is set for the next day, Feb. 18, at noon. It features Messy Margaret, Gal Axy, and Brattery Acid, three drag performers.
A weekend pass, allowing entrance to the comedy night, gala, dance party, and drag bunch, is also available.
To cap off the celebrations there will be a drag storytime event on Feb. 19, Family Day, and a free youth art event at Matilda Swanson Gallery at 1 p.m., where queer artists will be on hand to provide mentorship to anyone interested.
With a full itinerary, Middleton shared that there isn’t one specific event he is particularly looking forward to, rather to see Stratford come out and show its support and receive support in turn.
“All of the events … make you smile in the middle of the dreariness that is February,” Middleton shared.
All events can be booked through Eventbrite and can be found here.