August 20, 2023
Category is: Pride Extravaganza!
So, I found myself back at New West Pride, and let me tell you, the energy was just as lively as I remembered. It’s not just another event; it was a celebration of love, freedom, and embracing our authentic selves. The streets were covered with rainbow flags, and it was clear that the city was all about celebrating love, acceptance, and a whole lot of fun.
From all the local businesses, food trucks, to the Untoxicated Street performance, it was clear that New West Pride was all about unity, local love, and creating spaces for meaningful connections.
Guess who stole the show this time? None other than our Benji boy. Let’s just say he was soaking up all the attention and the rainbow vibes. It was heartwarming to see our local streets turn into a pet-friendly runway, and Benji was strutting his stuff like a total superstar.
This year was also a first for my dear friend Rachel, who drove up from Washington to join in the festivities. Embracing their very first Pride party with wide eyes and an open heart. Watching them experience the magic for the first time was heartwarming. I was reminded of my first Pride after I moved to Seattle, it was like a whole new world. The energy, the colors, the unity – it was something else. I wanted to give Rachel the best possible experience. Attending Pride events is not just about partying; it’s about sharing a space where you know you are truly accepted for who you are. It’s a time for the LGBTQ2S+ community and its allies to gather and honor the wide range of identities that enrich our social fabric. This celebration of authenticity transcends gender identities and sexual orientations, fostering an environment where individuals can embrace their true selves with joy.
Central to the essence of Pride is visibility and representation. In a world where LGBTQ2S+ voices have often been marginalized, Pride provides a stage to amplify these narratives, dispelling stereotypes and providing much-needed representation. For those who aren’t familiar, the inclusion of the “2S” in LGBTQ2S+ acknowledges the integral role of Two-Spirit individuals within Indigenous communities, an acknowledgment that’s vital for fostering understanding and unity between Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ communities. Two-Spirit identity holds immense importance in the context of Canada’s LGBTQ2S+ community. It’s a term deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures, embodying a unique understanding of gender and spirituality.
@raisa_lynn Category is: Pride Extravaganza! 💖🌈✨@Monét X Change @The Plastique Tiara @MORGAN MCMICHAELS @Vanessa Vanjie Mateo @Jaida Essence Hall @Icesis Couture @The Alma Be @Kaos of Jesilo ♬ Sissy That Walk - RuPaul
Now, onto the main event – the drag show. It was a showcase of true Charisma, Uniquness, Nerve, and pure Talent, and the crowd was absolutely loving every minute of it. As a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, seeing these queens up close was like a dream come true. Funny thing is, I hadn’t really delved into RuPaul’s Drag Race until the last 5 years, but boy, am I catching up! Binge-watching all the different series has been a roller coaster, and the best part? Finally understanding so many of those inside jokes and references that used to fly right over my head.
There have been some standout moments that I can’t help but replay in my mind. Trixie Mattel and Katya are probably my favorite comedy queens, along with Jinkx Monsoon’s incredible versatility, Yvie Oddly’s avant-garde creativity, and Silky Nutmeg Ganache’s larger-than-life energy – they’ve all made me fall in love with drag. But oh, Lady Camden, she’s something else. Her performances have this mesmerizing quality, a blend of grace and attitude that’s hard to resist. And that’s why I was extra excited to see her take the Pride stage, but life had other plans. However, in a twist of fate, Plastique Tiara graced us with her flawless presence. Let me tell you, she brought the house down with her performance, leaving us all in awe of her beauty and talent.
Also, seeing the Canadian drag queens perform was an absolute blast – after all, we were in Canada, and it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the local talent! I’m talking about Icesis Couture, Kaos, and Alma Be who absolutely slayed the stage. The way they owned their performances was nothing short of awe-inspiring, and I couldn’t help but become an instant fan. I still haven’t actually watched any RuPaul’s Drag Race Canada yet, but I did know one thing – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made an appearance on the show. How amazing is that? It’s a testament to the open and inclusive spirit of Canada. I couldn’t help but think how special it was that a political figure would embrace pop culture like that. I mean, let’s be real, I can’t imagine any American president being bold enough to do the same.
As the music died down and the event wrapped up, it was impossible not to feel a sense of gratitude for our town and the incredible vibes of New West Pride. Benji, Rachel, and I had ourselves a blast, and we’re already looking forward to what next year’s celebration will bring. Until then, New West Pride – keep shining and spreading the love! 🌈🎉
TLDR; I went to pride.
Thanks for reading & drink more water
-Ri
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Raisa Lynn
Welcome to my weird little corner of the inernet. I started this blog as a way to share my knowledge and experiences with others who are interested in my life. I hope that my insights can help others to learn and grow. Thank you for reading!