FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Following another successful Winter Pride, Capital Pride held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 25, 2024, during which the Board of Directors strategized for the year ahead, welcomed new Members, and elected the following slate of officers for its 2024-2025 Executive Committee:

Francesco MacAllister-Caruso (he/they) Co-Chair

Sean Addis (he/him) Co-Chair

Aneesh Tiberias Murali (he/him) Treasurer

Tony Bui (he/him) Secretary

Taib Boyce (he/him) Equity and Inclusion Officer

“As we wrap up our winter programming and look ahead to the summer months, the Capital Pride team is gearing up for another year of celebration, advocacy, education, and connection,” said Co-Chair Francesco MacAllister-Caruso. “With anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate and transphobic policies continue to spread across the country, it is more important than ever for community organizations like Capital Pride to recommit ourselves to the goal of fostering an environment where all queer and trans people feel safe and can thrive.”

“With the summer season coming up, Capital Pride will have many opportunities for folks to get involved in our celebrations,” noted Co-Chair Sean Addis. “Between drag shows, speaker series, family events, and our signature Pride week in August, our programming offers something for everyone to enjoy. Capital Pride is eager to continue working with other 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and members of our communities to improve queer and trans well-being in Ottawa-Gatineau. Our communities are so important.”

Preparations for the rest of the year’s events are already underway, including for the 2024 Summer Festival which will take place from August 17 to 25. Capital Pride is eager to welcome 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies alike to the National Capital Region to celebrate everything that our diverse and colourful communities have to offer. Information regarding festival sponsorship is available now by contacting [email protected]. Registration for the street fair and parade will open at capitalpride.ca on May 6.  

Capital Pride creates opportunities to celebrate, advocate, educate and connect people, respecting the full diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Canada’s National Capital Region.

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2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies invited to celebrate Pride on world’s longest skating rink

Ottawa, ON – Today Capital Pride announced its inaugural Ice Parade, taking place during Winterlude as part of a winter celebration of Pride. The Ice Parade, Canada’s first-ever Pride parade on ice, kicks-off at 4 p.m. on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the Concord Rest Area on Sunday, February 11, 2024, ending at the Fifth Avenue Rest Area in The Glebe.

The ice-parade will feature music and a DJ set, local drag performers on skates, and Capital Pride’s 30-foot Progress Pride Flag carried by players from Ottawa Pride Hockey. Festival-goes, community members and allies are invited to meet at the start of the parade, at the Concord Rest Area on the Rideau Canal, in skates or on foot, or join in along the route. 

“Capital Pride is committed to advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as creating opportunities to celebrate our diversity. We’re lucky to be able to celebrate that diversity on the world’s longest skating rink!” says Callie Metler, Capital Pride Executive Director.

“Winterlude is no ordinary winter event; it’s an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s rich culture and diversity in so many different ways. Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors, shows, exhibitions or cultural discoveries, Winterlude features indoor and outdoor activities that offer something for everyone. Come join the celebration at the 46th Winterlude from February 2 to 19!” says The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage. 

Winter Pride activities take place February 5-11, including outdoor drag shows on Sparks Street, drag storytime and other family programming. This year’s Winter Pride is presented in partnership with Winterlude.

Capital Pride celebrates the rich and diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the National Capital Region. Our mission is to create opportunities to advocate, educate and connect people through programming and events in partnership with our partner community groups, businesses, and sponsors.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Callie Metler, Executive Director

M: (613) 680-3033

E: [email protected]

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