Kingstonist Guide to Pride 2022

Jessica Foley

This month, Kingston and the area will be awash in rainbow colours as Pride events take place around the city and throughout the region. While there are too many to mention here, we’ve gathered the big events, as well as where to find more details, into a handy reference article.

The Stonewall Riots occurred in June 1969, and have long been considered one of the iconic pivotal moments in the groundswell of the LGBTQ2S+ movement. Pride 2022 is shaping up to be a bright, brilliant and busy time across the city, and throughout the KFL&A region. Notably, Greater Napanee will be marking its inaugural Pride Parade, surrounded by a ton of events, a great opportunity for those in Kingston to join in celebrating a number of beautiful firsts, from the Pride flags hung at Town Hall, to the crowds that will gather as Napanee marches with pride during Pride 2022.

Take a look at what’s in store for celebrating Pride all month long! Let us know of anything we’ve missed in the comments, or via email at [email protected]!

No matter where or how you join in Pride activities, you can always be sure to find electric energy from those who gather to celebrate diversity, individuality, and one another. Photo by Mercedes Mehling.

Pride-based programming through KFPL

The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) is supporting Kingston Pride this month by recognize the contributions, history, and achievements of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Throughout the month, library patrons can celebrate Pride and request a take-home kit for kids, teens and adults. KFPL said that the kits include candy, necklaces, booklists, and more! Registration starts on June 4:

“We’re also really excited to have Drag Queen Storytime happening again!” said Shayla Bradley, Publicity Assistant at KFPL. “Drop by Springer Market Square from 2 to 2:30 p.m. June 11. Drag queens will showcase books promoting the messages of diversity and inclusion and acceptance.”

Details on Drag Queen Storytime can be found here: https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/6472656

Greater Napanee Pride 2022

Napanee decked out with Pride flags and banners ahead of Pride 2022. The Pride flags on Napanee Town Hall are a first this year, after years of lobbying for the placement of the Pride flag at Town Hall by the local LGBTQ2S+ community for a number of years. Photos by Michelle Dorey Forestell.

On June 4 and 5 Greater Napanee will celebrate a weekend of Pride with a variety show, the very first Pride Parade in the municipality, and an artisan and vendor market:

  • Pride in the Country Variety Show – 6 p.m., Saturday, Jun. 4, 2022.
  • Parade in the Country – Sunday, Jun. 5, 2022, beginning at 11 a.m. along the river.
  • Artisan and Vendor Market to follow the parade.

Details are available on The Greater Napanee Pride website.

Kingston Pride

The Pride flag awash with light on a bright and sunny day in front of Kingston City Hall during Pride 2021. Photo by Josie Vallier.

Kingston Pride, a grassroots organization established in 1989, has put together a series of events to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTTIQQ2SA* community in Kingston and the surrounding area.

Highlights include:

  • Pride Run/Walk – Saturday, Jun. 11, 2022
  • Queens & Queers, Baseball & Beers – Sunday, Jun. 12, 2022
  • Out! on the Queen Boat Cruise – Saturday, Jun. 18, 2022
  • Pride Hangover Brunch – Sunday, Jun. 19, 2022

See all the events on the Kingston Pride website.

This year the annual Kingston Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, Jun. 18, 2022. The parade will begin at Skeleton Park at 11 a.m. and travel down Princess Street through the downtown core to Confederation Park. Everyone is invited to join in the fun.

The same day, in Confederation Basin, a community fair will celebrate the people who support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kingston and the surrounding area. Check out local vendors and exhibitors from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while taking in the sights and sounds at centre stage in front of City Hall. According to Kingston Pride, a beer garden (19+) presented by Spearhead Brewing Company will be available with views of the shows.

Movies in the Square always presents its own array of rainbow colours, perfectly suited for the upcoming Movies in the Square installments over Pride 2022. Image by Sandbox PhotoVideo.

Over two weeks, Downtown Kingston!’s Movies in the Square will partner with Kingston Pride, and Bell Media to bring both Rocketman on Thursday, Jun. 16, and Mean Girls on Thursday, Jun. 23, 2022, to the Market Square screen. The screening begins at dusk, and both films are rated 14A.

For an extensive list of events and details on community festivals during the month of June, read the Kingston Pride Guide. Follow Kingston Pride on Facebook for updates throughout the month.

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