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Vancouver Is All About The Pride – LGBTQ Spaces for Youth
25 Jul 2012 by bianca mora in Events, Featured Stories, Lifestyle / No Comments
Vancouver is known to embrace change and it has even been named one of the most respectable cities around the world, and there’s a clear reason for that. Vancouver is filled with accepting people and because of this, the LGBTQ community is growing.
Yes, Vancouver has tons of gay, lesbian, and bi-friendly environments such as bars, clubs, and pubs. However, while we are an open society that contains these kinds of spaces, these generally open when the sun goes down, and exclude minors. Take for example, Celebrities, Vancouver’s largest well known gay and lesbian night club, or smaller pubs such as Pump Jack Pub, or Score on Davie–all of these are an alcohol-based environment. What about friendly community places where everyone can take part in, even during the day? Is there such thing?
Well, there might be now. That is, if we fight for it! There have been speculations about creating recreational places in which healthy activities will take place, rather than being based in alcohol environments, they will revolve around games and sports.
In my opinion, this is an excellent idea! Vancouver’s pride is for everyone, and placing it in a different light where there is no alcohol involved can invite a younger generation to take part.
It’s speculated that youth who are part of the LGBTQ community face the largest amount of bullying in high schools, leading to a lack of belonging and have even led to increasing drop-out rates or suicides. New recreational areas in which healthy activities will be encouraged, welcoming LGBTQ youth will be a great way for them to find support.
Openly gay MLA, Spencer Chandra Herbert, who represents Vancouver’s West End, and his non-profit organization called Queer Active, will create these recreational areas. By launching these spaces, it will provide an opportunity to create more daylight queer-friendly community spaces that revolve around other things rather than clubs and alcohol.
I believe that there are so many reasons why Vancouver is known to be a very open and accepting city and this is one of them. Vancouverites often don’t realize the blessing we have in this city. It’s a place in which one is judged less often, while in other places people are still dying for equality. So why not take the next step into a positive movement?
Youth what do you think? Will this movement of recreational centers be a positive, healthy lifestyle choice for the LBGTQ community? Are you interested in the subject and want to take part in more of these events? Here are a couple well-known things to do!
Vancouver’s official 2012 Pride festival is from Monday, July 30th to Monday, Aug 6th. However don’t miss the Pride parade at noon on Sunday, August 5, 2012, followed by the Sunset Beach Pride Festival! Don’t miss out on these magical events, which will leave you smiling for days!
Photo from Gay Guide Toronto
About the Author: bianca mora
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