It’s been 50 years since the Canadian government passed legislation decriminalizing homosexuality in Canada. Now it’s time to celebrate.
The Massey Theatre and New West Pride are hosting Celebration 50: Say It Loud, Gay is Proud on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m.
A write-up about the event notes that the timing marks a pair of momentous events in North American history. In Canada, the Criminal Law Amendment Act – which decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting adults – received royal assent on June 27, 1969.
Just one day later, the Stonewall Riots sparked in the U.S. The riots were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations protesting against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City. Those riots are widely considered to constitute the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement, the modern Pride movement and sustained activism for LGBT rights in the U.S.
“Please join us to reflect, remember and renew as we joyfully celebrate 50 years of liberation for LGBTQ2+ community members in a carnival of performance, inspiring words and interactive fun,” says a write-up about the event.
The event will be hosted by Peach Cobblah (the drag queen alter-ego of playwright Dave Deveau), and Svend Robinson – the first openly gay MP in Canada – will be a featured speaker. The evening will also feature Allan Morgan, the actor whose solo show I Walked The Line just played to acclaim at the Anvil Centre Theatre, along with a performance by the Vancouver Youth Choir and a “dance-your-pants-off performance” by the popular Vancouver LGBTQ dance band Queer as Funk.
The event is produced with the assistance of the federal government, New West Pride, the Province of B.C. and Zee Zee Theatre.
The Massey Theatre is at 735 Eighth Ave. It’s free, but reservations are encouraged. See www.ticketsnw.ca to book.
