2020 Yukon Pride Postponed Due to COVID-19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing need for physical distancing to reduce the chance of spreading the virus, the Pride Committee of the Queer Yukon Society regretfully announces that the in-person elements of the 2020 Yukon Pride: 24 Hours of Gaylight, scheduled for June 1-7, will be postponed.

To keep each other safe right now, we need to follow the directives of Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, which include staying home as much as possible, keeping at least two metres away from other people when in public, and not gathering in groups. Queer Yukon and the Pride Committee applaud the healthcare workers, public health officials, essential service providers and others who are working to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has been a difficult decision for the Pride Committee, and we share your disappointment and frustration. Pride is traditionally a chance for us to gather as a community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer and allied persons. More than just a series of events, Yukon Pride is an opportunity for connection, celebrating human rights advances and social inclusion, and asserting our right to exist freely and joyfully.
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While we are not able to celebrate in person right now, we can still celebrate! The Pride Committee is working hard to bring you events in creative ways that will allow us to celebrate and come together while respecting physical distancing and keeping each other safe. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

Finally, Queer Yukon and the Pride Committee want to acknowledge that this is a difficult time for our community. Members of the LGBTQ2S+ community are impacted by COVID-19 in specific ways, sometimes experiencing violence in unsupportive homes, losing work, missing friends, and our usual outlets for expression and support. We are all coping with this situation as best we can, but we want to urge you to support each other if you can, and to reach out if you need it; a list of public resources is listed below.

Stay proud and stay safe, folks.

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For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Chris Lovatt [EN]
Treasurer, Queer Yukon Society
cllovatt@gmail.com

MC Boucher [FR]
Director, Queer Yukon Society
mariecbouc19@gmail.com

For information about Queer Yukon and community updates please visit queeryukon.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram.