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August: Some Pride highlights in Ottawa this August...

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Published Time: 01.08.2024 - 14:14:48 Modified Time: 01.08.2024 - 14:14:48

The Ottawa LGBTQ+ Christian Network is a new local group holding one of its first in-person gatherings: a meet-and-greet for pride month at the Ottawa Public Library Rideau branch. August


Over the Rainbow will be hosted at The Good Companions, a seniors centre in Centretown West. The website promises a cash bar and good conversation from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Ottawa LGBTQ+ Christian Network is a new local group holding one of its first in-person gatherings: a meet-and-greet for pride month at the Ottawa Public Library Rideau branch.

They say the group is for Christians of any denominational background who may have had negative experiences such as loss of community or discrimination because of their identity.

They note that you don't have to be a practicing Christian to be part of the network, and that some of their members have complicated relationships with faith, some are rediscovering faith and some no longer identify as Christian at all.

Pride Capital Volleyball is a community group of volleyball enthusiasts from all skill levels. It regularly hosts youth and adult drop-in games, plus several leagues for competitive players.

Its special tournament in August is called Beach Bums for "intermediate/advanced" players in teams of four.

If you want to play there's a registration fee and you'll need to confirm your roster by early August, but you're also welcome to turn out to support the players.

Pride Glide is a roller-skating party at Lansdowne Park's Horticulture Building. If you ever wondered what it would be like to let loose in all that space, this is your chance.

There will be an all-ages session from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and an adults-only session from 8:30 until 11:00 p.m.

The Pride Community Quilt is an event being held by Fabrications, a fabric and crafting store on Ottawa's Carling Avenue near Churchill Avenue.

They are inviting anyone — regardless of their familiarity with quilting or sewing — to come pitch in to make a very special quilt. Participation is free and Fabrications says it is providing all the materials, instructions, and experts.

When it's finished, Fabrications will raffle off the quilt (after putting it on display in the store for a few weeks) and donate proceeds from the raffle tickets to "a selection of 2SLGBTQIA+ charities."

The Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus is a non-auditioned community chorus founded in 1986, which it says was the same year Ottawa celebrated its first Pride.

This night, The Gladstone community theatre in Little Italy will host the The Ottawa Gay Men's Chorus for a special one-time musical performance.

Queers & Beers is exactly what it sounds like: a party at a craft brewery with live music.

Organizers say part of the cover charge will be donated to Northern Lights Refuge, a group that sponsors 2SLGBTQ+ refugees.

Frequently Asked Queers is a comedy showcase at the Laugh Lounge Comedy Club in the ByWard Market which promises on its site to be "a night of drag, comedy & hilarity." 

The lineup includes local drag queen Eden Moore and Rose-Ingrid Benjamin, a local comedian and former pastor. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

If you're into Ottawa's lesbian scene, you might be familiar with Lez Go: a group of "lesbian+" that hosts community events for its members.

This Pride month, you can attend its Bliss party at Queen St. Fare in downtown Ottawa. The festivities start around 7:30 p.m., and its website says you can expect a raffle, ball toss, designated singles tables and performers like Makhena Rankin-Guérin, a local Indigenous hoop dancer. 

A few kilometres east of Ottawa, the Hammond Golf and Country Club is hosting a special Pride Cup this August.

On top of a full day of golfing on the 18-hole course with a cart, your ticket also gets you into the barbecue buffet and drag show. The website says funds raised will be donated to Rainbow Railroad, a non-profit that helps 2SLGBTQ+ escape countries where their existence is criminalized.

The Ottawa Date Squares is a local square dancing group that hosts events throughout the year. If you're in the mood to shake your feet this Pride Month, consider attending their Pride Dance.

This free event welcomes participants with any level of experience and doesn't require you to bring a partner. They teach you everything you need to know and let the music take it from there.

Gabrielle is an Ottawa-based journalist with eclectic interests. She's spoken to video game developers, city councillors, neuroscientists and small owners alike. Feel free to send story ideas to gabrielle.huston@cbc.ca.

It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges.

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