It may be Gay Pride but everyone is invited to the events happening in Nanaimo June 19 to 26.
"Everything's open to everybody," said Don Mullan, president of the Nanaimo Gay Pride Society. "Every event is very mixed. With the Nanaimo Gay Idol, about 50% of the people entering the contest are straight."
This is the fourth year the rainbow flag has been raised at city hall proclaiming Gay Pride week and members of the gay and lesbian community have been planning events celebrating the week. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride day worldwide and different cities will be holding events throughout the summer.
"It's to bring together the community for social events," Mullan said. "And also just to make the public aware that we're here and make us more visible in the community. We're sometimes not easy to spot as part of the community and we want to try and dispel some of the myths that are out there. We want equality like everyone else."
Mullan said the events usually draw a fairly good crowd. About 30 to 60 people watch the flag raising and there are event for families including the daytime activities at Maffeo Sutton Park and bowling. Tickets for the Pride Dance on Saturday are $10 in advance for NGPS members, $12 for non-members and $15 at the door.
Tickets are available at House Of Indigo, 310 Fitzwilliam Street, Red Radish Bistro 4-180 West Second Street, 70 Below, 70 Church Street, Pattie's Party Palace, 15-4890 Rutherford Road, and Flawless Hair & Esthetics, 7-6404 Metral Drive. Visit Nanaimo Gay Pride Society official website at www.nanaimopride.ca.