With Creston celebrating its centennial this year, 2024 is a fitting time to make history.
OUTspoken, the local 2SLGBTQ+ community, plans to host the town91裸聊视频檚 first Pride festival on the last weekend of June.
Since forming in 2017, this is a huge milestone for the group. Along the way, OUTspoken hasn91裸聊视频檛 always been met with acceptance. From public harassment to online vitriol, Creston91裸聊视频檚 2SLGBTQ+ have struggled to feel safe in their own hometown. But now thanks to an outpouring of support, OUTspoken has gained momentum with a committee 22-members strong.
It began in October last year during the SOGI protests, when some members realized how much their presence was needed.
91裸聊视频淭he difference is the love this time, the hate has always been there,91裸聊视频� said Nikolas, co-ordinator for OUTspoken. 91裸聊视频淲e've had so many people come up to us and say, 91裸聊视频楾hat is not the Creston that I want to live in.91裸聊视频�91裸聊视频�
The Advance has chosen to withhold the co-ordinators' last names.
Over the last six months of planning the festival, OUTspoken has worked towards visibility around town with a Pride flag at town hall and a regular booth at the Creston Valley Farmers91裸聊视频� Market.
91裸聊视频淢y goal is to show other people in this community that they91裸聊视频檙e not alone,91裸聊视频� said Sara, also a co-ordinator for OUTspoken. 91裸聊视频淲e want to highlight and celebrate what we've achieved so far and what our community is all about.91裸聊视频�
The hate-fuelled, hurtful comments their members have received over the last seven years have been 91裸聊视频渦nsettling and scarring,91裸聊视频� causing OUTspoken to go quiet at times.
91裸聊视频淭hat's why we're holding Pride Fest, because it's not about hiding,91裸聊视频� said Sara. 91裸聊视频淚t's time for us to be loud and be proud. I want to be happy about who I am in my community 91裸聊视频� a community that is proving to be more inclusive, more open, and understanding.91裸聊视频�
The festival will be held on June 29, the day after the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City, in solidarity and remembrance.
The event will be hosted at Mountain Park Resort starting with a market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendors coming from as far as Vancouver and Kelowna. In the afternoon, anyone is welcome to join the talent show from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The celebration will continue into the evening with music, special guest performers, dancing, and games from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
It is all thanks to the work of volunteers and crowdfunding.
91裸聊视频淲e have an incredible committee of people who have given their heart and soul,91裸聊视频� said Sara. 91裸聊视频淚 am incredibly excited to be able to provide a place where we can feel safe, where we can have a fun atmosphere, where we can enjoy ourselves and celebrate our history.91裸聊视频�
Another big motivation for hosting the festival is to bring tourism dollars into the Creston Valley, especially during a year when the local orchards are struggling due to unusual weather.
91裸聊视频淐ommunity growth is a big part of it,91裸聊视频� said Nikolas. 91裸聊视频淲e can help with that. Every person who comes for Pride Fest also needs to eat meals or stay the night. That's something that could be a regular thing, bringing people to town for entertainment.91裸聊视频�
Volunteers and donations for festival support or prizes are still needed. To help, get in touch through the OUTspoken Facebook page or at outspoken-creston@hotmail.com.
