Photo by Whitehorse Star
The Pride Parade seen last year will not be happening this year. Instead some virtual events and some in-person events will take place.
Photo by Photo Submitted
Shaun Ladue
Yukon Pride Festival to kick off with historic flag raisings
The Yukon government will launch the 2020 Yukon Pride Festival at 9 a.m. Friday by raising the Progress Pride Flag at the legislative assembly building for the first time in the territory’s history.
The Yukon government will launch the 2020 Yukon Pride Festival at 9 a.m. Friday by raising the Progress Pride Flag at the legislative assembly building for the first time in the territory’s history.
The flag features the contemporary six colours of the rainbow pride flag as well as a hoist in the shape of an arrow. It points toward the work that needs to be done by the LGBTQ2S+ community on issues of racism and transphobia.
The hoist features five half-sized stripes representing trans individuals (light blue, light pink, white), people of colour communities, as well as those living with AIDS, those no longer living, and the stigma surrounding them.
The flag raising event is set to be opened by two spirit community leader Shaun Ladue.
It will feature an honour song by Dennis Shorty and Jenny Frohling from Ross River.
Greetings are planned from Premier Sandy Silver and Jeanie Dendys, the minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate.
Joe Wickenhauser, the executive director of the Yukon Pride Centre, will close the ceremony.
The flag raising will be followed by another flag raising at 10 a.m. at city hall with Mayor Dan Curtis, where the Progress Pride Flag will also be raised for the first time by the municipal government.
Curtis proclaimed Pride Week in Whitehorse last Monday.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the public are urged to watch from home.
The Town of Watson Lake will also raise the pride flag for the first time in the town’s history on Friday morning at the recreation centre.
The event is set to feature speeches by Mayor Cheryl O’Biren and Patti McLeod, the riding’s Yukon Party MLA.
The City of Dawson proclaimed LGBTQ2SIA+ Day on July 14 and has been flying the rainbow flag at the town hall since that day.
The Yukon Pride Festival’s theme this year, “Remote Connections”, invites all Yukoners to be part of the Pride celebrations.
The festival will take place Aug.1-9.
It will include online and in-person events ranging from the Pride Paddle, Coming Out Campfire, Queer Kitchen Challenge, to online film screenings, drag, musical, and burlesque performances, storytelling with Ivan Coyote and more.
Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar
In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.
Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.
Comments (36)
Up 1 Down 0
Josey Wales on Aug 6, 2020 at 12:00 am
Dave...fair enough and my apologies.
Perhaps I was too pit bullish, admit a tad of defensive reply...after all I am in the vipers den with my participation even? I can admit an error in judgement.
I do like the movie, the message, and the man acting it. Red legs suck too.
Sure wish there were more "Chief Ten Bears" and Dan Georges around in real life.
Read your query/correlation as a snare, all P/A like as is thee tactic often.
Signing off on this thread as OJW has had his participation, made my points and others can carry on regardless of angle. I wish not a complete thread Bogart.
Up 0 Down 0
John on Aug 5, 2020 at 11:22 pm
Waste of time, waste of money. Nobody cares if you’re black or blue or gay or trans or whatever flavour suits you. Nobody cares, you shouldn’t get any special treatment or special notice, nobody cares. Nobody wants to hear about it or see crazy coloured symbols or watch any “COVID illegal parades”.
Up 7 Down 4
Just Sayin' on Aug 5, 2020 at 4:25 pm
What does LGBTQ2SIA+ stand for? I am honestly losing track. At this rate we'll be having a LGBTQ2SIAVI22D9AZ83NVJ445F0WLVCE4+ parade in a few years from now. Try saying that five times really fast.
Up 1 Down 2
Dave on Aug 5, 2020 at 1:01 pm
@ Josie Wales, I thought maybe you just liked the movie... And the handle is a good fit for your comments. Carry on Outlaw, it's good that there's still some wild left in the west.
Up 6 Down 6
Josey Wales on Aug 5, 2020 at 12:28 pm
So josey...well good on ya, you picked a great week to be curious.
your ridiculous correlation has zero to do with my participation.
The craft of creative writing, crap or not is somewhat of a art, subject to individual interpretations, and comprehension.
" So" you can extrapolate all ya like with revisionist "correlations" on why I make my choices.
Chairman Mao also liked group think, I suspect you do not support "freely expressing" myself...yes?
so If I am correct, using your philosophy...you must also like group think, and support killing many tens of millions of "dissenters" and non group thinkers?
"So..." see why that does not work?
Be proud, I am..just of different values inferring nothing that mine are better.
Keep being curious, exactly how aircraft, medicine, and free societies became.
Up 24 Down 4
Natalie on Aug 5, 2020 at 11:19 am
Everything is all about fun and parades and pink moose until someone disagrees with anything the alphabet crowd says. Then the name calling and leftist intolerance of others comes out in full display.
Up 5 Down 8
So, Josey Wales.... on Aug 5, 2020 at 9:30 am
I'm curious as to your reasons for adopting this name for comments (fan of Clint Eastwood, admirer of the strong/silent gunman?). The book Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales was written by Asa Earl Carter, using pen name of Forrest Carter ... who was a speechwriter for George Wallace (came up with the rousing "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" speech). And the pen name Forrest was ... you guessed it .. in honour of Nathan Bedford Forrest, Confederate general and one of the founders of KKK. And he published a few so-called 'memoirs' that turned out to be fiction. But he had/has his following.
Up 4 Down 4
Josey Wales on Aug 5, 2020 at 9:23 am
Hey Brad...I know ya are just kicking back trolling.
That said, there is chum in your nonsense.
Speaking of "Google" you should dig into that KKK you speak of, started, grown, and engineered ...nurtured even by DEMOCRATS!
Which are essentially the mirror image of LPC, hence my phrase "metric democrats". Both on either side of our borders are the parties of "Identity Politics" where humans are the commodity, or a resource in the political plantation...or for us...the reservation.
A country full of strong hard people is far harder to manipulate and deceive.
Than a country full of folks all squabbling over their place in the politically correct hierarchy over their "prizes" or "approval"
All others you drone on about are moot points based on nothing but your own clear and present bias.
Google, even with their clear attempts at suppressing reality...is a treasure trove of info if you are smart enough to decipher it.
Mouth breathers eh? That seems well suited to the many many SJW types I see that look near identical. The stupid glasses, skinny jeans, crappy facial hair like pubescent new growth, neon hair potatoes wedged into yoga pants ...blah blah.
Yes mouth breathers, as you stated...just your team however.
I am so "proud" of the Star for having courage, I hold the view this thread should remain for a whole week as I am so so proud of the Star encouraging
" freedom of expression"!!!
Gezz it's almost like I live in a first world, where the authorities and the mobs with their pitchforks have opposition in their "Crusades".
Heeeeeey, there is something to this pride thing.
For a moment there I had the "feeling" that even I matter.
However, back to the real world and coming to terms that I do not...mobs rule now.
....till they don't, or the mob changes players & ideologies
Up 11 Down 7
Anie on Aug 4, 2020 at 5:38 pm
I really haven't seen many people here saying "tone it down". I think, perhaps, equal is not enough. But if we always have to be special we are never, ever, going to be equal.
Up 13 Down 8
Anie on Aug 4, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Steven I just don't agree with you. If you want to hold somebody's hand, I really truly do not give a tinkers. If you want to make out with them in public, I'd rather you didn't, but that has nothing to do with their gender. I certainly wouldn't comment, though. I've been out in public with various gender combinations and not seen the hostility you talk about. So maybe you are hanging out in nasty places?
Up 13 Down 30
Brad on Aug 4, 2020 at 4:10 pm
@Dave, Google Everett George Klippert and then come back to the table as a still uninformed, but slightly more informed individual and reconsider your comment. And @guncache there are already straight anglo-sax parades. They're run by the KKK, the 3 percenters, Soldier of Odin, and lots of other mouth-breathers on the margins.
Up 18 Down 28
Resident on Aug 4, 2020 at 3:49 pm
AIDS was considered the gay disease. Many gay men died before the government or society took it seriously. Gay men and women have been beaten to death because of their sexuality. Hell, gay panic used to be a legal defence.
Transwomen keep being murdered in the US. Lesbian couples are assaulted on the bus for not kissing in front of a group of guys in the UK. You think this isn't happening in Canada? I guarantee you that there are towns in Canada where two gay men kissing could be a death sentence. Don't be so naive.
Up 19 Down 31
Michael Vernon on Aug 4, 2020 at 1:27 pm
All the folks here asking us to tone it down, stop flaunting ourselves, stop celebrating the hard-won rights that only came into being in the last 15 years are actually just admitting the following:
When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.
I'm actually one of the quiet ones (one of the "good" ones as you bigots would say)... but the louder you whine and showcase that you actually DON'T support, agree or can possibly be comfortable with sexual and gender diverse humans having the right to exist... the less I actually want to be quiet about it.
If people really didn't care either way about us, this comments section would be empty... and anyone commenting would use their true name instead of sharing their poorly-masked hateful opinions under cowardly pseudonyms.
Up 39 Down 14
Acquired opinion on Aug 4, 2020 at 9:04 am
I am not against gay people in any way shape or form. Over the years these are some of the most kind considerate people that I have engaged with both at work and in social happenings. I have trouble with two issues though. One is why this community wants special treatment at events now with their own special tent and the works. They've gone from wanting to be accepted (which I have no issue with) to wanting to be special because of their sexual orientation. Some do it because this is the only way they can garner attention in an otherwise boring situation. (Do what ever you want but don't rub everyone else's face in it every time you can). Two : Why do they get to use every color of the rainbow for their representation. I see this as self-centered and greedy.
Carry on gay community, you truly are some of our best citizens only lighten up a bit with the advertising please.
Up 23 Down 29
Steven on Aug 4, 2020 at 7:45 am
A lot of people always run to the "who cares who you sleep with" argument, like that's the only thing involved.
I would like the right to walk down the street, holding my partner's hand, WITHOUT being harassed about it. I would like to be able to kiss him, and show normal affection, without having to look over my shoulder to see if someone is scowling, or waiting until we get to a secluded place (or not even) so they can beat the shit out of us.
Hetero people can do this all the time, everywhere, all over the world, and no one thinks twice. Homo/Bi/Etc people cannot. So don't tell me that "[I] have had the same rights as [you] forever", or "most of humanity just don't give a tinkers who you choose to sleep with or whether you want to refer to yourself as he, she, it, Volvo or that insanely dumb alphabet mumbo jumbo".
Because you are wrong. So, so, very wrong.
Up 16 Down 33
EJ on Aug 4, 2020 at 12:27 am
Reminder for everyone - there are still people who vote against LGBTQ rights when issues pertaining to them are raised in the legislature. Half of the Yukon Party (conservative) voted against them just last year. Looking at you MLAs Stacey Hazzard, Patti Mcleod and Brad Cathers!! I expect and hope Mr. Dixon puts a muzzle on all three of you now that he is leader. Out with these ideological Cons!
Up 36 Down 13
Guncache on Aug 3, 2020 at 7:17 pm
I wonder what the public outcry would be if there was a straight Anglo Saxon parade? Would City Hall even allow it? Can we design a flag and raise it? Why is there a need to tell everyone they are gay, they are not a he/she, it etc.
Up 20 Down 9
Dave on Aug 3, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Careful woodcutter, your inclusive hatred of others is showing through.
Resident, really people died for - huh? Not in this territory or country. Exaggerate much?
Up 21 Down 28
Resident on Aug 3, 2020 at 1:10 pm
It truly is amazing how quickly time dulls memory.
LGBT+ community has pride events because their acceptance was a hard-fought battle that people died for. And that acceptance is on shaky ground and could easily disappear should they become complacent. This isn't over, acceptance is not universal. People are not minding their own business.
I'm a lily-white straight woman and even I know that there's an active segment of society that would happily stuff these people right back in the closet or worse. Hopefully we won't need pride events in 20 years because truly, no one will care.
Up 11 Down 27
woodcutter on Aug 3, 2020 at 10:06 am
@ wood cutter chopper... showing your fragility. Perhaps if the Whitehorse star wasn't filtering my comments, the real message would have really caused the right wing nuts to blow a gasket.
As it is, let's start a homophobe parade, in the name of inclusivity, which the cons seem to be challenged in actually performing, while paying lip service.
Up 15 Down 31
YukonMax on Aug 3, 2020 at 6:29 am
I said many times that Gay and French issues cannot be in the papers for the "GENERAL" Yukon readers. Nothing good comes out of the readers comments ever. So, either you really enjoy the bashing or you are totally ignorant of the hurt it causes to many.
Up 39 Down 9
Groucho d'North on Aug 2, 2020 at 5:07 pm
I am amazed at all the angst about which gender people choose to have sex with or identify as. Why do so many feel they have to promote, or justify their choice? We also seem to be forgetting those who for some reason cannot have sex with anybody else. I felt sorry for myself because I had no lover - until I met a man who had no hands. Everybody should just mind their own business.
Up 34 Down 9
Woodcutter Chopper on Aug 1, 2020 at 3:17 pm
Woodcutters typical lefty comment using a derogeratory word to put down other people in the name of supporting inclusivity. If someone uses words on leftists though they call it hate and get all emotional about how oppressed they are.
Up 23 Down 12
Josey Wales on Aug 1, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Hey Vlad...as I wish not to mislead, but speak what I think (based on facts & evidence) the truth as much as the host permits.
Yes for that I am grateful as most media comment sites are either HEAVILY moderated, saturated with liberal ideologies via moderation or so biased it makes me puuuuke.
That said Vlad "Josey Wales" is not my actual name, but a moniker.
If ya genuinely did not know, most certainly do now.
We live in insane times, a complete cancel culture full of soldiers of virtue whom are essentially Orcs in my view.
I live in the real world, one that extraordinary claims, require extraordinary evidence...hence my offending so soooo many on a daily basis in actual and virtual time.
So yeah...I have a few things to say these days.
Many, not all...wish me and folks as me say nothing but just take it.
Nope!
Precisely why I used that example circa 1930s "western view point" .
As I am old like dirt, I remember well the "advocates" hyperbolic perception of history of being gay.
Sure some bigots had issues, just like today...imagine?
I think back then folks all lived their lives in the closet, not just gay folks.
Different times then, folks never felt the need to boast to the planet..their sexuality gay or not.
Vlad thanks for your support, but accolades are not important to me as others researching things of interest, research the researchers from either side of an argument...and formulate ones own sense of society, culture and politics.
Blind faith is essentially "Drinking the Kool Aid" ( Jim Jones master manipulator)
...I drink water.
Up 16 Down 57
Woodcutter on Aug 1, 2020 at 11:07 am
Let que up the homophobes, same cast of characters as can be expected.
Up 30 Down 14
vlad on Aug 1, 2020 at 9:47 am
@BnR - You have just confirmed that Josey is right on. Then Josey has the guts to use his name behind his comments. You don't.
Up 25 Down 8
Manual transmission on Aug 1, 2020 at 8:57 am
Anie, the most relevant and accurate comment on the whole issue. (not sure about referring to anyone as a Volvo though - some of those old Swedish models have very dodgy trannies and very oily gear) .
Up 52 Down 11
Tuff Knut on Jul 31, 2020 at 11:54 pm
At BnR - JW is correct. Being a straight white male is, by today’s standards, an offence in and of itself. You are deluded and more than likely floridly psychotic. And all of this has occurred without any foundational evidence to support the construction of white privileged or the manufacture of systemic racism or even some form of genderism. It’s like a bunch of you have gone bat-guano crazy trying to destroy everything and anything. “You people” would be better off tightening each other’s screws... Then come back and have a rational discussion. We will wait!
Up 24 Down 13
Josey Wales on Jul 31, 2020 at 7:49 pm
Hey BnR says ewe, but no FG.
Guess since your brain not running, clearly missed the point...as per.
You read more like a rabid ideologue, a perpetual victim and a pit bull of dissenters.
All of which invalidates any sense of discourse, which is precisely what ewe and your minions...politically correct bootlickers shutting down all whom are not they. wish for.
Between you and the messiah of virtue..patti, clearly see OJW...and get all vitriolic and self righteous.
Oh yeah, my facts care little of your "feelings"
Up 31 Down 18
JC on Jul 31, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Great comment Josey. Said it all. My comment wasn't near as descriptive, but the WS saw it as offensive. Glad they printed yours, Anie's, and BNRs though.
Up 15 Down 60
EJ on Jul 31, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Pride flag at the Leg Assembly? The Yukon Party conservatives will not be happy about this! Too bad so sad for them though. Good job Libs.
Up 94 Down 23
Anie on Jul 31, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Dear LGBQ2SIA+ community - please pay attention: most of humanity just don't give a tinkers who you choose to sleep with or whether you want to refer to yourself as he, she, it, Volvo or that insanely dumb alphabet mumbo jumbo. Surely there are serious social issues that deserve all of our attention. You are just not that important.
Up 34 Down 65
BnR on Jul 31, 2020 at 3:03 pm
"These days being straight/white is like being gay/non white in the 1930s, completely open to attack with ZERO consequences."
Josey, you're even more deluded than usual.
Another old white guy worried that things are changing.
Up 79 Down 36
Josey Wales on Jul 31, 2020 at 11:20 am
I get the equal rights thing, they have had the same rights as me forever.
Just like the cultural elites, they want more rights than most...a protected society.
Seems everyone now has some special status, additional rights than most humans.
Called political correctness, pandering, virtue signaling of the biggest kind.
So you are gay, so what..who really cares?
These days being straight/white is like being gay/non white in the 1930s, completely open to attack with ZERO consequences.
Enjoy your time in the spotlight, be as proud of who you are to the best of your abilities...without shrieking at all who are not you.
I too am proud of who I am, but I need no public parade, a flag, a crosswalk, half of CBC articles..nor the need to yell all the marxist/progressive buzz words at folks whom do not share my pride.
I give it a month, and BLM flag goes up too.
Up 70 Down 23
Salt on Jul 31, 2020 at 7:19 am
It’s like some groups need to substitute a pandering government for an authority figure that approves of them and their choices, in order to fill a psychological hole. This stopped being about live and let live a long time ago.
Up 57 Down 22
Clan D. Esstein on Jul 30, 2020 at 7:46 pm
Were they ticketed and disbanded for being within 6 feet of each other?