The organizer of this year's Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest says it's "beyond imperative" to have these types of inclusive events in the community to show support for vulnerable people at a time when so many are still feeling unsafe to be themselves.
Queer Joy Canada Executive Director Jessica Baker said there are a lot of vulnerable people within the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and events -- like the ones being held this weekend -- give affirmation to who they are.
"It gives them visibility when they're attending the festival and they're seeing themselves in the performers, in the vendors, in the volunteers. It is an event for them that they can feel safe at," said Baker.
Between the hateful messages shared online, protests, and defaced signs, Baker said the queer and trans population is still living in fear of retaliation for just existing.
"The entire community, especially our youth, look forward to having this festival every year," Baker said. "It is beyond imperative that we have this festival -- and for example, also the flag raising and different things like that, so that the vulnerable people within our community can see... they are seen, they are valid, they are important. There are people here who are working for them and fighting for them to not just survive but thrive."
PrideFest will kick off with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Night on Friday, July 11, featuring drag queen Kori King -- who recently competed in RuPaul's Drag Race.
"It's just so great that we are able to carry on the tradition of BIPOC night because we were one of the very first festivals to actually curate a night around BIPOC, queer and trans community members," Baker said.
Alexis Mateo from season three of RuPaul's Drag Race is scheduled to headline Saturday night's show.
Drag show performances both Friday and Saturday night are ticketed events and will be held at Refined Fool on London Road. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Free activities will be held at Canatara Park's bandshell and beach pavilion from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Events include drag storytime, drag shows, a pet pride pageant, and pride parade.
Baker said they're very excited to host a Pride Parade in Sarnia.
"There was one in Sarnia, I want to say a little over 20 years ago, so we are very, very excited that we get to hold our first pride parade," Baker said. "We are hoping that we can have the sustainability and longevity to make that an annual event."
As of Thursday, about 12 groups had signed up to participate in the parade, which will start near the Children's Animal Farm.
"We are going to have vehicles that are decorated so it's not going to just be a march," Baker said. "I am so beyond excited that we are going to be able to start this tradition and then we're just going to build it up more and more every year."
Baker has been in the background of pride initiatives for about a decade and has worked with Diversity Ed for many years to organize Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest. After launching a non-profit organization, Queer Joy Canada, in May 2024, Baker has been working to continue hosting the festival.
However, because Queer Joy Canada is relatively new, it "severely" lacks sponsorship, which is why there is a fee to attend the drag shows on Friday and Saturday night.
"I've had to pay for about half of the festival myself to make sure it continues for the community, which has been really rough, but again, I believe in it so much and I know how important it is," Baker said.
Further details about Sarnia-Lambton PrideFest and the event's schedule can be found on Queer Joy Canada's social media pages.
Lambton Public Health will also attend PrideFest to talk with community members about the importance of offering inclusive and safe spaces for all people.