FFWD REW

Hundreds ‘coming out’ to Jasper Pride fest

Be yourself. That’s what members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) community are being encouraged to do at the fourth annual Jasper Pride Weekend although there are many opportunities to dress up as someone else.

Playing on this year’s theme of Fairytales and Legends attendees can dress up to their hearts’ content while indulging in the theme’s deeper philosophical message of self-love. “When you dress up you can be yourself. Dress up be who you are and be proud of it” says spokesperson and volunteer Jörg Michel.

From April 12 to 14 this small town nestled in the Rockies will play host to hundreds of people of all orientations and walks of life. What began in 2009 with a few dozen attendees has blossomed into a popular event attracting visitors from Toronto Prince George Calgary and Vancouver. Michel expects attendance this year will top last year’s count of 300-plus people.

With the tagline of “come out naturally” the three-day event promotes acceptance while engaging members of both the LGBTQ and Jasper communities in fun activities. Not all activities on the weekend’s roster are directly related to the year’s fantastical theme but those that are — such as two costume-friendly parties — help set the tone for a weekend of welcoming and judgment-free fun.

“We want to encourage people who are hesitant about ‘coming out’ to see the happy endings ahead of them” Michel says.

Michel says that many past attendees have been straight people who were either looking for a good time or were there to support loved ones who identify with any one of the colours of the “rainbow.”

“We welcome everybody whether they’re local visiting gay straight black white. Everybody’s welcome” he says. “It’s a very inclusive event and we just want to reach out to everybody and bring everyone together.”

Despite the event’s growth over the past four years Michel says it has remained “relatively intimate” especially when compared to big city Pride events that can attract thousands of revellers. With the peaceful backdrop of the mountains and the lower number of attendees in Jasper individuals in the midst of coming out can open up to and network with others in the LGBTQ community.

Photo by Mike Gere courtesy Jasper Pride Festival

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