Vancouver to raise Pride flag to kick off week-long celebration

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The Pride Flag is being raised at Vancouver City Hall on Monday.

The ceremony kicks off the city’s Pride Week, which features various events to celebrate the local LGBTQAI2S+ community.

Members of the Vancouver Pride Society will join Mayor Kennedy Stewart at City Hall to raise flag at a ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event to launch Pride Week will be smaller than in years past. However, it will be livestreamed on the Pride Society websites so all can take part.

---

Related articles: 

• Pride Week 2020 goes ahead despite COVID-19

• Vancouver Pride week comes to an end with virtual parade

---

This year’s #ChooseYourPride celebration will, much like last year, feature a mix of both in-person and virtual events.

The Pride Parade, which draws thousands of spectators each B.C. long weekend, is also taking on a different format this year, going virtual once again. However, people are being encouraged to take part in this year’s “Decentralized Pride Parade,” by dressing up in your finest Pride outfits and having a picnic, marching down the street, or decorating your patio and enjoying the day outside.

Participants are encouraged to take photos and upload them to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the #VanPride.

Images uploaded with the hashtag may be featured in the live Pride broadcast on Aug. 1, and people also have the chance to win prizes.

“Wherever you are, Vancouver Pride wants to celebrate with you and bring the community together,” the Pride Society says.