Vancouver Pride draws upon LGBT history to reinvigorate itself for Virtual Pride 2020 and beyond

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      Many LGBT communities arose out of adversity while overcoming challenges and opposition, and that historical penchant for fluidity is one that is proving resourceful during the widespread disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

      The Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) unveiled its new brand identity on May 14, which incorporates a forward-leaning retro look that is intended to reflect Vancouver Pride as “passionate, caring, quirky and sassy”.

      Vancouver Pride Society

      An explanation on their new website (which will be will be fully operational on June 1 along with a new app) states that due to numerous flags arising for different LGBT communities, the VPS decided not to include a rainbow flag in their new brand identity in order to represent all aspects of LGBT communities. However, the logo will appear in a variety of colour combinations.

      “VPS has gone through a metamorphosis over the past five years.” VPS executive director Andrea Arnot stated in a news release. “We changed how we serve and advocate for our community and we wanted a fresh, new look that reflected our journey.” 

      With a new staff team in 2016, the VPS conducted community consultations between Pride 2016 and 2017, including discussions about the role of law enforcement in the parade; have held further consultations; created a new staff position—the community partnerships and QTBIPOC outreach coordinator—and a two-spirit committee.   

      Vancouver Pride Society

      Like many other festivities, this year’s Pride will resort to alternate means of celebration to become Virtual Pride 2020.

      Among the events to be held from July 27 to August 2 will be Public Disco Pride Edition, Hot Fruit: 5G—A QTBIPOC Pride Celebration, a Pride Ball with Van Vogue Jam, both a local history and an international panel discussion, and several drag events.

      The VPS is teaming up with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to present Symphonic Pride, a variety talent show, and with the Vancouver Writers Festival to offer a Writers Showcase.

      And for the annual pièce de résistance, a Virtual Pride Parade Live Stream will be held on August 2.

      “Now people from all over the world can tune into Vancouver Pride festivities and events,” Arnot stated. “Pride can not be cancelled, only reimagined.”

      Vancouver Pride Society
      You can follow Craig Takeuchi on Twitter at @cinecraig or on Facebook. You can also follow the Straight's LGBT coverage on Twitter at @StraightLGBT or on Facebook.

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