Every pride festival has to start somewhere and Medicine Hat is starting at its roots.
Former Calgary event planner Jason Johnson recently moved back to his hometown of Medicine Hat after eight years away. Johnson decided he wanted to move "back to the Hat" to be closer to family and take a break from the "big city."
When a Medicine Hat college student noticed the need for a pride event in the city, Johnson decided to use his experience with event planning and working at Club Sapien in Calgary to branch out and connect.
"So far the support has been overwhelming and the people in the community seem really excited and supportive," Johnson says of the response the city’s first pride festival has received. "Our hope is that the festival keeps growing and keeps getting bigger each year."
And while many have been supportive, there has been some discontent as well, which is somewhat expected.
"I think some people might get their noses out of joint a little," he admits. "There have already been a few letters to the newspaper questioning the need for a pride festival but I think they might have some preconceived notions and what we are is a grassroots, family-friendly festival."
About 500 people are expected to attend the event, which is impressive given it’s a first year festival in what is typically not known as a gay city.
"I don’t think we will top any lists for pride festivals or anything but I do think the community is ready for something like this and I hope it keeps growing each year," Johnson says, who plans on being in Medicine Hat for several years. "I think it would be great to establish a presence and pass the torch for beyond when we’re even here."
Johnson says there are several types in the gay social community in Medicine Hat; those who are close knit friends and involved in the community socially; those who come out to special events but are more homebodies; and then of course those who are private and not really "out" yet.
That’s why it is so important to create a presence in the city, Johnson says.
"I think it gives the community something to anchor to and be proud about," he says. "It’s really about having a pride initiative and growing it, and it’s especially important in these smaller communities."
Which is why Calgarians and other surrounding areas should support the event, he adds.
"It’s a growing community and after living in Calgary for eight years I can see the luxury a big city has compared to a smaller community. That’s why I think it’s great if the big city people can get out and support the smaller communities. It’s going to be fun and it’s good to show our support."
The Medicine Hat Pride festival takes place on Saturday, September 22nd at the Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park from 2pm until 9pm. There will be live performances by drag queens, DJ’s and venders galore. Later that night, there will be an 18+ only gay dance at Liquid nightclub.
For more information, check out the Medicine Hat Pride Facebook group.