Vancouver Pride Week brings communities together

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      Around the world, companies, communities, cities, and countries have been grappling with issues of diversity—or ignoring them at their own peril. But within the queer community, diversity is an unquestionable component.

      That’s because it’s actually not just one community. It’s an amalgamation of numerous communities that unite under an umbrella symbol of diversity: the rainbow flag. Of course, bringing these groups together isn’t always easy, and it’s not always one big happy family.

      But as our city contends with keeping abreast of inclusivity and diversity, perhaps we can all learn some important lessons from local queer communities.

      In honour of Vancouver Pride Week, the Georgia Straight presents a collection of stellar individuals and organizations that are working to overcome differences and bridge gaps, and uniting people regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, and other identities. We examine how a queer resource centre, a cultural and linguistic poster campaign, gay-straight alliances, and an aboriginal talking circle are bringing together the disparate tiles of the rainbow mosaic to form a more cohesive and complete picture.

      Throughout this issue, you’ll find plenty more from queer communities to take pride in. There’s a profile of award-winning queer author Amber Dawn, a glimpse of Seattle PrideFest from Seattle Center, a look at new music at the Vancouver Queer Arts Festival, a review of the play Blowing Whistles, and a story about the struggle to address transgender health issues. (For more coverage of Pride and queer issues, visit www.straight.com/lgbt/.)

      It’s a time for both celebration and reflection that will hopefully allow everyone to find something to feel proud about.

      You can follow the Georgia Straight's LGBT coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/StraightLGBT.

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