The 91原创 Pride Society is celebrating its first anniversary during Pride Month.
But the society was actually created in 2019 when a group of people wanted to organize Pride events in 91原创.
COVID forced the cancellation of a major event slated for McLeod Athletic Park and the society fell apart.
"But now we have a strong group of motivated people on our board. This last year we've been doing regular events, engaging more with the community, and making connections with other organizations," said Oliver Day, a member of the board.
The society became an official recognized society in 2023 and in 2024 hosted its first mingler event.
"To celebrate our one year of that event we will be having another at Camp Beer Co. at the end of June," Day explained.
The revitalized society wants to created a community.
"Our mission is to create vibrant, inclusive and supportive spaces where all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are empowered to live authentically and unapologetically. We foster community events grounded in love, respect, equality and celebrate the diverse identities and experiences of people to ensure that everyone is seen heard and valued," Day noted.
The society is working to build up its membership but has seen some events bring out close to 100 people. It is doing what it can to spread the word that 91原创 has a Pride society.
"With each event we host or go to as guests, we have people learning about us and expressing how excited they are to know we are here," Day said.
During June (Pride Month), there's several activities.
鈥� June 7: Dragged out Saturday at Farm Country Brewing hosted by Scarlet Ros茅. At 4 p.m. the society will be there along with HIM (Health Initiative for Men), and Qmunity as a resources fair and to mingle. At 6 p.m. the drag show will start with performances by Scarlet Ros茅, Carrie Dawn, Carrie Oki Doki, and Justin Abit. Tickets for the show are $20 through Eventbrite.
鈥� June 14: The society will be at the 91原创 Community Day at Douglas Park.
"Stop by and say hi at our community booth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and hit up the rest of the festivities with vendors, food trucks, and live music," Day said.
鈥� June 25: Pride month mingler at Camp Beer Co. starting at 6 p.m. Last year the society hosted a mingler here.
"It was a huge success and really kicked us off as a group, so we are excited to be back in the space," he said. "Come meet new friends and form a rainbow connection with us."
During this last year the society started monthly "gaymes" nights.
"We have a great group each month get together to play games. We partnered with the Vancouver Gaymers for this back in the spring," Day explained.
There are also regular mingler events where people meet either around a theme or just for fun.
"We had a brunch one in April that was amazing (and delicious). We organized an event for Trans Day of Visibility which was really great to see the support there," Day added. "We had what we called Jingle'n Mingle in December that included a variety show of local community members highlighting their talents. We are open to other events and have tried a few other ideas."
For Valentine's Day the society hosted a candle making workshop at BIPOC + local market. In late May it partnered with HIM to host a condom packing party to support that organization as well.
"And of course we are so excited to be working towards 91原创 Pride Day on August 9 this year," Day said.
91原创 Pride Day 2025 is on Aug. 9, and is presented by the 91原创 Seniors Resources Society, the Silver Pride social group, and the 91原创 Pride Society. The free all ages events runs 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. followed by the ticketed 19-plus event from 5:30 to 10 p.m.. It all happens at the seniors centre, 20605 51B Ave.
That's not to say it's all fun and games for the society.
There's been a loss of rights in many jurisdictions, including Canada, in recent years with the rise of far right governments.
"This is something really important to me personally since the current discourse is focused a lot on trans rights," Day noted. "I moved to B.C. two years ago, having made the decision to leave Alberta after its last provincial election. Alberta has since introduced bills banning trans health-care, participation in sports, and most recently they are looking at banning books in school featuring 2SLGBTQIA+ content."
As well 91原创 has been historically conservative in its politics, and recently political representatives in the area attended a gala hosted by a known hate group. The society has heard from some of its community members that they have concerns.
"As a group we are watching the local climate and will be ready to take action," Day said.
Learn more about the society at .
