Pride and prejudice: Wortley Pride event learning from controversy during inaugural event
The second annual Wortley Pride Festival takes place June 10 on the Green in Wortley Village.
During the inaugural Wortley Pride event in 2022, a disruption occurred that led to charges against a London, Ont. man for causing a disturbance and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.
The altercation between Richard Sillers and festival goers was off putting for organizers but they have learned from that experience in preparation for Saturday’s event.
“We weren't prepared at all for any protester,” said President Kathy Bell-Copeland. “We didn't believe that there would be any in the heart of Wortley Village from that we've learned and we've pre planned and we have taken the steps to make sure that everyone is going to be safe.”
The event has been the focus of social media posts this week, saying a large group will be on hand to protest the drag story time, similar to a protest that occurred in April in Parkhill, Ont.
Galaxy Rose, the performer who will be reading to the kids said it has weighed on their mind.
“For me like it's always in the back of my mind. Like maybe this is the event that violence happens. But I have to push that aside because at the end of the day, it's for the kids and those are the ones that that we're creating these spaces for,” Rose said.
A man was arrested and charged with criminal offences after what London Police call a “large physical disturbance” during the Wortley Pride Festival on July 16, 2022. (Source: Jason Plant)
But as the saying goes, the show must go on, and Rose doesn't believe the protestors will be able to dampen the spirit of the event.
“Because when you're showing up in a big gown, like lots of colors, their eyes lit up, right? And they can you can see that it means something to them and so I always power through just for them,” they said.
The London Police Service will also be on hand.
“London police will be in the area throughout the day to ensure a safe and inclusive event,” said Const. Sandasha Bough.
Bell-Copeland hopes those who come to the event will get to enjoy it and ignore any protestors that do show up.
“This event is meant to be about love and acceptance and being who you are and your authentic self,” she said.
Festivities start at 11 a.m. at the Green in Wortley Road and runs through the afternoon. Face painting, a photo booth, an all ages drag show, and drag story time are just some of the events taking place.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It’s discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.