Parade one of many events in Saskatoon during Pride Month

Saskatoon Pride is hosting a wide variety of events over the course of Pride Month.

Although the city’s annual Pride Parade is usually the biggest event, the organization is expanding to include even more events around the city this year.

“On Friday, June 9, we have a movie night at Scotiabank Theatre,” said Claire Wyant with Saskatoon Pride. “It is ‘Enter the Drag Dragon,’ with special performances by a drag artist named Iona Whipp.”

A family barbecue will be hosted at Massey Park on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Wyant added. Other events during June include a rainbow car wash, queer art exhibit, makeup seminar and Pride flag raising at City Hall.

“We are encouraging all allies and members of the community to raise your flags alongside with us,” said Wyant.

The parade itself is set for Sat., June 17, and the festivities continue after the parade with ‘Pride in the Park.’ That event will include performers, vendors, children’s events and beer gardens for adults.

At the beginning of Pride Month, a controversy developed around the 2SLGBTQ-themed Rainbow Tent at the Nutrien Children’s Festival. Wyant said the community needs to come together to celebrate during this time.

“This year in particular, we have been witness to some unfortunate situations,” said Wyant. “It just means that we’re looking forward to putting on an even more fabulous festival that showcases the love, the acceptance and the unity that we all share as a community.”

Wyant said Saskatoon Pride is focused on standing up for justice and uplifting the voices of the 2SLGBTQ community members.

More information on Saskatoon Pride events can be found on the organization’s website.