Taking a stand, Lacombe Pride Weekend goes Aug. 14-16

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But there’s also the historical context.

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“The first gay public protest (the We Demand Rally) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was on Aug. 28, 1971; as well, in 1969, Everett George Klippert was the last Queer person to be arrested for doing ‘Homosexual acts,’ and he died on Aug. 7, 1996. On top of that, from Aug. 19-26, 1973, there was the first ever National LGBT rights event, which was celebrated across Canada,” says Luscombe.

“Though Pride is usually symbolized by Pride Month, many other countries such as Australia and the U.K. align their festivities with their own queer liberation movements. Stonewall is the most recognized international Pride movement, but was mainly associated with the United States, with many other countries having Queer movements much earlier or in very different ways.”

Their choice to celebrate in August, he says, honours and reflects the countless queer movements seen across Canada’s history.

“It also shows us who is willing to support us outside the socially acceptable month to support, and lets us know who is a real ally versus who is pinkwashing to check their diversity boxes.”

‘Pinkwashing’ or sometimes ‘rainbow-washing’ refers to superficial sympathetic messaging towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, or in other words, using performative behaviour.

Luscombe says Pride is important in Alberta this year because an open display of equality can highlight some of the injustices the community feels it’s seeing from the provincial government.

“The UCP has put forward four different bills that target Trans health care, pronouns and names in schools, Trans participants in school sports, and Pride flags in schools, with many being put under Constitutional scrutiny,” he explains.

“On a global scale, we have seen a massive increase in hate-motivated attacks against 2SLGBTQIA+ people, especially Transgender people, with a heavy emphasis on the United States’ role in repealing so many protections and basic human rights.”

Luscombe puts it simply: Every person deserves to live in their home, as themselves, free of hatred and fear.

Right now, though, that isn’t reality, he says. But that doesn’t mean anyone wants to shove any narrative, identity, or ideology down anyone’s throat.

“Lacombe Pride exists to challenge our community, to invite people to learn, grow, and understand who we are. It’s also a way to celebrate and find our family, to connect and find comfort as a community, to simply feel joy in a world that seems void of it,” Luscombe remarks.

“This year, rural Pride stands as a beacon for everyone scared of being themselves openly where they live; it stands to fight hateful narratives that fester in rural communities; and this year it’s to give hope to so many, to remind them that when we fight with love, we win.”

Luscombe adds he is also proud of the organization for still being up and running. Many have given countless hours volunteering, while other organizations around central Alberta have unfortunately had to fold, he says.

A full schedule of events for Lacombe Pride Weekend is below: