ANNUAL REPORT

1 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

DEAR FRIENDS OF PRIDE,  HAS“ This past year has been one of monumental learning and GROWN 1,000 TIMES ITS change and we could not have accomplished any of it PARTICIPATION IN 30 MISSION ANCESTRAL LAND without all of you. Thank you. Thank you for caring enough YEARS, AND 10 TIMES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT to say the beautiful things and the hard things; it is because ITS PARTICIPATION IN Calgary Pride is a not-for-profit organization THE LAST FIVE YEARS. that exists to promote equality and celebrate of you that we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we Calgary’s diversity. Calgary Pride acknowledg- are all on this journey together. es the traditional territo- ” ries of the Blackfoot and And what a remarkable journey it is! Did you know that Calgary Pride’s first ever financial audit. And thanks to the people of the Treaty 7 Calgary Pride has grown 1,000 times its participation in 30 further support from the community, we hosted our first region in Southern Al- years, and 10 times its participation in the last five years? big fundraiser, evolve: pride amplified, raising more than VISION berta, which includes the What an astonishing demonstration of Calgary’s growing $55,000 and supporting three other amazing organizations Siksika, the Piikani, the culture of welcoming and belonging, and a testament to serving LGBTQ2S+ youth across Calgary. Our city, free from discrimination against Kainai, the Tsuut’ina, and the thousands of volunteers, handful of staff, and board identity, , and . the Stoney Nakoda First members who have rowed, steered and captained this ship Learning remains an ongoing area of focus for Calgary Nations, including Chiniki, for its 30 year history. Pride and this year we invested time and resources into Bearspaw, and Wesley First governance learning as part of the Board Development Nation. We would also like As 2019 began, the Calgary Pride board knew that the Program offered by Culture, Multiculturalism to note that the Calgary rapid growth we had been experiencing could lead to and Status of Women; Anti-Racist Organizational Change VALUES Pride Festival and all the unsustainable workloads and a dwindling ability to adapt training through CommunityWise Resource Centre EQUALITY work we do takes place on as an organization, so we leaned into our next significant (supported by Voices – Calgary’s Coalition of Two-Spirit We create an environment where everyone land adjacent to where the evolution; we hired Calgary Pride’s second full time staff & Racialized LGBTQIA+); and LGBTQ Tourism workshops enjoys the same universal rights. Bow River meets the Elbow member and began taking steps to transition from an offered by CMI Community Marketing & Insights, leaders in River, and that the tradi- operating board toward a governance board. LGBTQ research since 1992.

CELEBRATION tional Blackfoot name of We celebrate the cultural landscape and this place is “Mohkinstsis” After almost two years of working with our powerhouse Within these pages, you will find many more highlights history of our community. which we now call the City Executive Director, Parker Chapple, we knew we could from 2019; thank you for making all of this possible, and of Calgary. The City of Cal- confidently empower them to create operating committees for your continued support to make Calgary a welcoming LEARNING gary is also home to Métis and recruit talented and dedicated community members city for anyone along the spectrums of gender and sexual We facilitate the growth of a just and Nation of Alberta, who would step into new leadership roles for Calgary Pride. diversity. We believe that Calgary is a city where everyone inclusive society through continuous Region III. As a result, eight new committees were created, guided can feel a sense of belonging, and sharing that belief with learning. by 10 new leaders, who, along with more than 80 other you is what makes it seem so possible! RESPECT We thank these communi- volunteers, worked tirelessly throughout 2019 to deliver We cultivate a city that embraces diversity ties for their stewardship Calgary’s largest, and most colourful Pride festival to-date! Sincerely, with respect and dignity. of the land we collectively In fact, it was such a success that we outgrew our parade inhabit today. route entirely, and have a new route to announce for 2020. COLLABORATION We engage the community, seeking We also strengthened our fiscal controls in 2019, hired a Shone Thistle opportunities for mutual benefit. bookkeeper and just had an external accountant complete Board President

calgarypride.ca Calgary Pride 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 1 PROGRAMMING

READING WITH ROYALTY ALLY TOOLKIT CONFERENCE QUEERLY FESTIVE DINNER & SHOW In the last two years of this widly successful program, we’ve We often hear the challenges that professionals Because of the tremendous success of this all-ages, partnered with the Calgary Public Library and Calgary face in understanding how to best support their clientele, free-to-attend event in 2018, this year’s celebration Queer Arts Society to make a monumentally positive volunteers and employees as it relates to LGBTQ2S+ was moved to the main welcome gallery of our impact on children and families alike. This glamorous, identities. This conversation evolves at what often seems Central Library which increased our capacity to family-friendly storytime program, led by local like a daunting speed. The Ally Toolkit Conference was a over 200 guest spots. Our catering partner, The performers, celebrates inclusion and diversity and sparks three-day learning experience bringing together leading Palomino Smoke House, prepared a sumptuous the imagination to think beyond gender stereotypes. With perspectives from community organizers, healthcare buffet dinner complete with turkey, brisket, roasted an audience to-date of almost 3,500 kiddos at over 65 professionals, and corporate leaders in order to promote a corn, and veggie stir fry. Guests could enjoy our stage events, this unique programming is the first and only of its holistic model of wellness, discuss ally-ship, give people a showcasing the musical performances of One Voice kind in Alberta, combining the importance of literacy and safe place to ask questions, and share tools to create more Choir, Mason Jenkins, Damase Ellis, and the always dynamics of gender expression to children ages 12 and equitable communities. glamorous mix of drag Kings, Queens and Monarchs under. who inspire and entertain! The response was Presented in partnership with Calgary Queer Arts immensely warm and our teams were deeply moved Society, we received overwhelming support for its by the experience of connecting with the community delivery, and are thrilled to have taken part. over a warm holiday dinner.

EVOLVE: PRIDE AMPLIFIED Our innagural fundraising event, evolve: pride amplified was two days of magic, music and fundraising for Calgary Pride and city-wide programs that support queer youth. Day one was a free event for queer youth, including a joy filled circus celebration by Le Cirque de la Nuit coupled with the soul, hip-hop, music and storytelling genius of Too Attached. Day two was more for the adults who care about the youth, complete with a cocktail-hour meet and greet with our amazing artists, plated dinner, fundraising, and unforgettable performances. Together we raised over $55,000 - thank you to our beautiful guests and amazing sponsors! evolveprideyyc.com

Calgary Pride presents... a Gala event featuring Too Attached & Le Cirque de la Nuit Supporting city-wide programs for LGBTQ2+ youth May 25, 2019 Arts Commons VIP Experience @ 5:30 General Admission @ 6:30 Tickets at artscommons.ca/whats-on

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GRONDIN

2 calgarypride.ca Calgary Pride 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 3 PRIDE WEEK

PARADE & FESTIVAL We’ve come a long way baby! From the humble beginnings of a backyard BBQ, to a few dozen marchers along 17th Avenue, to small parades in areas that would disrupt the least amount of traffic, and on to the current celebration attracting 100,000 spectators and 177 parade entries!

This year we are excited to be introducing a new parade MEMORIAL PARK PRIDE REVERSED RACISM route that will run down 9th Avenue from 5th Street SW Moving into its second year of kicking off Pride Week, The show breaks the traditional Calgarian mold of a to 4th Street SE, and moving to Olympic Way toward our Memorial Park Pride provided accessible programming predominantly white-centered entertainment space, new festival venue at the Stampede grounds! for the public to engage including workshops and celebrating the brave and strong voices of LGBTQIA2+ speaker sessions such as “Colonialism on Canvas,” racialized family members. All were welcome, but most QTBIPOC and the history of Burlesque, Anti-Racist importantly the voices of our racialized sisters, brothers Organizational Change, and LGBTQ2S+ 101. Attendees and siblings. could learn more about community organizations and their resources, try a turn on the gyroscope, or enjoy the stage performances of over 75 local LGBTQ2S+ artists. 50 SHADES OF COLOUR For all that support and love queer people of colour, Additionally we were pleased to also provide financial this evening celebrated the art of vogue with categories support to the below events providing the producers to open to everyone. “50” to honour the 50th anniversary of offer these as free to the public. the , “Shades” because we’re shady, and “Colour” because this event puts QTBIPOC people front and centre; that’s what a ball is all about y’all.

This group of programming and events proved an invaluable opportunity for members of our community to engage in Pride by igniting conversation, encouraging connectivity, and further strengthening the community ties within our city.

4 calgarypride.ca Calgary Pride 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 5 STATS & HIGHLIGHTS OUR TEAM 177 MARKETPLACE ENTERTAINMENT SHELL FAMILY ZONE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Our marketplace was We are proud to have presented This is one of the most The Pride Calgary PARADE ENTRIES expanded to include over 100 LGBTQ2S+ performers well attended areas Planning Committee 140 exhibitors from during Calgary Pride Week. of the festival that operates as a volunteer 8,000 community groups, This included our headliners Le has something for board of directors, who PARADE PARTICIPANTS businesses, food trucks Cirque de la Nuit, Too Attached, every kiddo and their are directly responsible and artisans. & Bone and Tynomi Banks. caregivers to enjoy. for the planning and This included making execution of the annual 100,000 robots, an all inclusive & Festival movement workshop, TOTAL ATTENDANCE puppet making, and of President course our ever popular Shone Thistle (She/Her) 529 Reading with Royalty. VOLUNTEERS VP Tourism & Marketing Bailey Ady (She/Her) ACCESSIBILITY 3,796 We have been working VP Programming VOLUNTEER HOURS hard with Universal Access, Jay Fajardo (He/Him) to ensure that Calgary Pride is as accessible as Director of Human 117 possible. This included Resources EXHIBITORS providing specialty training Derrick German (He/Him) to volunteers, arranging for transportation from the Director of Community 194 parade route, and at the Engagement PHOTO BY MICHAEL GRONDIN Parker Chapple, Executive Director. ARTISTS park, providing viewing Raymond Jordan areas at parade and Johnson Brown (He/Him) festival, and having ASL STAFF COMMITTEE LEADERS 20 interpreters for all of our Director at Large Executive Director Accessibility Community Engagement FOOD TRUCKS stages. Arif Hirani (He/Him) Parker Chapple Aaron Baranac (He/Him) Jeremy Chapdelaine (They/Them) Rachel Peters (She/Her) (He/Him) Director at Large Dallas Henault (He/Him) Logistics Manager Arts & Culture Site Operations Maddie Papson Lysh Piekarski (He/Him) Mo Rose (They/Them) Director at Large (She/Her) Subi Subramani Marketing & Social Media Volunteer Engagement (She/Her) Sam Brown (They/Them) Robyn Craig (She/Her)

Parade Logistics Youth Engagement Justin Zalewski (He/Him) Ranee Drader (She/Her)

6 calgarypride.ca Calgary Pride 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 7 PARTNER PROJECTS PERMANENT CROSSWALKS In addition to our core programming, we are Calgary Pride was thrilled honoured to work with numerous community TREATY 7 DYKE & that on Sunday, July 21, partners in supporting initiatives throughout Calgary unveiled its very the year. The Treaty 7 Dyke and Trans March is a group dedicated own rainbow and trans to community building for queer and LGBTQAI2S+ people, flag crosswalks on one central to Calgary. With overarching goals of ongoing of its busiest pedestrian accountability, affirmation, and accessibility, we strive to and tourist roadways, provide platforms for internally marginalized members immediately east and of the community. In addition to the annual march that west of Centre Street on Calgary Pride was proud to offer financial support too, . We were they host events, engage in community outreach, and honoured to help bring provide resources and education throughout the year. together community voices and city administration, and our gratitude is TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE immense to our friends Community members from Calgary and surrounding areas at Zoom Painting for their were invited to join this free event of remembering those commitment to ten years of who have gone ahead of us. The central part of this event painting and maintenance is reading aloud the names of those who have died this on the crosswalks. past year because of their trans identity. Understanding the importance of recognizing the impacts of

and violence in our community, Calgary Pride was PHOTO BY MEL SUTJIADI honoured to provide financial support to this community

PHOTO BY SAM BROWN driven event. THORGY THOR FAST LOVE Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra proudly presented 2019 was also the year for Calgary to experience the OUTLIERS: QUEER HISTORY IN CALGARY OTAHPIAAKI the fabulous Thorgy Thor, famed worldwide from world’s most prestigious and professionally produced Calgary Pride was pleased to partner with Calgary Otahpiaaki is a social innovation the hit show RuPaul’s , in a thoughtful and show paying tribute to the life and work of George Queer Arts Society, the Big Kitty Crew, and the project based at Mount Royal hilariously theatrical show. With her outrageous Michael at Arts Commons. Direct from London’s West ,to present this exhibit and University that platforms fashion sense, razor-sharp wit, and virtuoso chops End, this tribute show featured all the hits from Wham! event series. Attendees were invited to explore Indigenous designers, performers, on violin, viola, and cello, Thorgy is the reigning and his solo career, including Careless Whisper, Faith, notions of gender expression and identity with and artists. Each year, Otahpiaaki hosts Indigenous “queen of classical music!” Thorgy enthralled and Father Figure and many more. In addition, this show an emphasis on challenging the ideals of both the Beauty, Fashion and Design Week, featuring some inspireed with song, dance, and hilarious symphonic became the launching pad for a partnership initiative recent and historic past, while also learning more of ’s most inspiring Indigenous artists and shenanigans. with Arts Commons, RBC and Calgary Pride providing about LGBTQ2S+ history within Calgary. designers. Committee Leaders and members of Calgary LGBTQ 101 learning opportunities for friends and Pride were able to attend this event, in recognition of our partners of all three organizations and open to the organization sponsorship of this remarkable initiative. public free of charge!

8 calgarypride.ca Calgary Pride 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 9 BETWEEN JULY 1ST TO SEPT 1ST 505M FINANCIALS TOTAL REACH IN TRADITIONAL MEDIA MEDIA REACH FUNDRAISING & MEMBERSHIP FACEBOOK GRANTS 9% SPONSORSHIP facebook 1.3M 6.7K 1.3K 619 IMPRESSIONS REACTIONS SHARES COMMENTS 28% 33% TWITTER Revenue twitter 303.7K 12K 435 1.5K $779,826 30% IMPRESSIONS LINK CLICKS RETWEETS LIKES FESTIVAL

INSTAGRAM

PROGRAMMING instagram 11.3K 268 6.1K & OUTREACH LIKES COMMENTS FOLLOWERS Expenses $764,947 OFFICE & INSURANCE 10 % 14 %

FESTIVAL & SALARIES & 59% PARADE PROFESSIONAL FEES 17% PHOTO BY MICHAEL GRONDIN

Calgary10 Pride 2019 ANNUAL REPORT calgarypride.ca 11 PARTNERS ACCESSIBILITY PARTNERS

PRESENTING PARTNER

GOLD PARTNERS

PUBLIC SUPPORT OFFICIAL AIRLINE

OFFICIAL HOTEL HOTEL PARTNERS

SILVER PARTNERS VENUE SUPPORT PARTNER DIAMOND PARTNERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS

BRONZE PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

®

OFFICIAL BEVERAGE PARTNERS SOFTWARE PARTNERS

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