Dust off those cowboy boots and pull out your rainbow colours for a special Pride event at Century House this summer. The municipally run seniors’ centre is organizing an all-ages hoedown in August, in support of Pride.
“We are part of the LGBTQ community,” said Rob Hughes, co-chair of the Seniors’ Gay Straight Alliance, which is organizing the event. “We certainly think it’s important that people in the community of all ages realize that seniors in the community are active and out, and that they have a place and are supporting others in the community.”
The hoedown is on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free and there will be refreshments.
Many of the dancers will be same-sex couples, Hughes said.
“Guys can dance with guys and gals can dance with gals, or you can have mixed couples, too. We’re open to anything and everything,” he said.
The dances include two-step, square dancing and line dancing, and beginners are welcome.
“You don’t have to come with a partner. You can come alone, and you don’t have to have any previous experience at all. It’s going to be taught from scratch, with the idea that people have never done any of this dancing before. It’s going to be easy and fun,” Hughes said. “If I can jump into this, anybody can, believe me. I have two left feet.”
People are also encouraged to dress for the occasion, so think Western and rainbows.
“Cowboy hats with a rainbow bandana, who knows? You can have fun with it,” Hughes said. “It’s an opportunity to mix and mingle with people.”
This is the second year Century House has organized an event for Pride. Hughes said the hoedown is open for people of all ages, and the organizers are hoping to attract a more intergenerational crowd.
New West Pride Week runs from Aug. 8 to 15 this year and culminates in a massive street party on Aug. 15. The hoedown takes place at Century House, at 620 Eighth St. Info: 604-519-1066.
