In July of 1969 the Canadian government took its first legislative steps towards decriminalising homosexuality in Canada. This was a result of activism by the LGBTQ community over the course of the late 60s.
The very next day in the US, the Stonewall riots spontaneously sparked spelling the end of legal oppression of homosexuals in that country. The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations protesting against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern Pride movement and sustained activism for LGBT rights in the United States.
Please join us to reflect, remember and renew as we joyfully CELEBRATE 50 years of liberation for LGBTQ2+ community members in a carnival of performance, inspiring words and interactive fun.
Join us in the lobby where the fun begins!
Pianist and singer Sean Allen leading a sing along, featuring the greatest Gay Anthems from 50 years of music history!
Check out our ‘Get your Fab On’ station where you can express your fabulousness with our assortment of accessories and sparkle.
Create at the ‘Say it Loud’ table, where you can make your own placard of protest and support inspired by the Stonewall Riots. These placards will be used later in the evening as we collectively channel the spirit of uprisings past in the Massey auditorium.
Also in the lobby will be friends and partners like NWSS Gay Straight Alliance and New West Pride with information tables and fun.
Theatre Programming: 7:30 pm
Featuring:
Host: Peach Cobblah
REFLECT: Former NDP MP Svend Robinson will reflect on the last 50 years with the unique lens as the first openly gay sitting Canadian Member of Parliament
REMEMBER: Actor, writer and creator Allan Morgan will perform an excerpt of his show PRIDE which harkens back to the AIDS epidemic in the 80s.
RENEW: The Vancouver Youth Choir will lift their voices in song to celebrate renewal.
PARTY: Queer As Funk finishes of the evening with a dance your pants off, lift your hands up, raise your voices musical extravaganza.
Concession services will be available
Celebration 50 could not happen without the assistance of the Federal Government of Canada, New West Pride, Province of BC, Zee Zee Theatre.
This fantabulous event is FREE, but seats must be reserved.
