Welcome to Stonewall storytelling night to reflect upon origin and impact of Pride

Why isn't the Pride parade more family friendly? Why is there so much sexual content? Why isn't it more inclusive? Why do we even need to celebrate it now that we have LGBT rights in Canada?

If some of these questions come to mind, or if you've heard other people ask them but are not sure how to answer them, perhaps it's time to think about where Pride came from.

With so much focus on the glitz, glamour, and outrageousness of the party otherwise known as Pride, it has become a bit too easy to overlook, or even forget, about the political roots of the event.

This year, there'll be an opportunity to take pause before the partying begins to reflect upon the historical events that led to the formation of Pride, and how things have changed since.

Qmunity, the Vancouver Public Library, and the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity are joining forces to present three speakers and a participatory discussion entitled Welcome to Stonewall: A Night of Storytelling.

It'll be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 28 at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (350 West Georgia).

The three organizations are bringing Martin Boyce, a witness at the 1969 Stonewall Riots, to Vancouver to share stories from that era. Boyce will provide a look back at what has changed since that pivotal moment in North American LGBT history.

Kelendria Nation, a black trans female Qmunity volunteer who organizes a weekly trans group, will talk about the role of trans people in the Stonewall Riots.

Husayn Abdallah will offer a youth perspective on how Stonewall has influenced LGBT communities.

Vicki Haynes, a two-spirit Gitxsan woman who works in education and justice in the not-for-profit sector, will moderate the discussion.

The event is free and for more information, visit the event's Facebook page.