The LGBT community in Alberta’s capital city are taking a bold stand to ensure the message of Pride rings loud and clear. Edmonton’s LGBT community has made significant strides in the pursuit of equality, with a history of early Pride Marches and demonstrations, to being the first Pride celebration attended by an Alberta Premier.

This year’s festival theme is Stand PROUD! For Albertans, this is an easy task, as there is much to be proud of. Stand PROUD! provides a platform for the community to access information, learn the importance of equality and of course, to showcase pride in individuality. Throughout the week, the events will help build visibility and recognition for the LGBT community, and patrons of all ages are encouraged to join in reflecting on the past and building hope for the future.

Edmonton Pride takes place from June 6th - 13th - an entire week of Pride-themed activities, made possible by over 150 volunteers donating their time and effort.

The first official event of Pride Week will take place at the Art Gallery of Alberta (102A Avenue & 99st) from 4:30-7:30pm. This free event allows families the opportunity to create colorful banners and flags to represent Pride. Friday night’s kick-off is jam packed with plenty of activities to get you in the Pride spirit. Alley Kat Brewing hosts Pack the Pub for Pride!, an event targeted to the 18+ audience beginning at 6pm. Keeping with tradition, Buddy’s Nite Club will be celebrating Pink with Pride at 9pm. The Lockeroom Bar (11834 Kingsway Avenue) will be hosting the BEEF Underbear Party for patrons 18+ (a $10 cover fee will be charged). The Traveling Tickle Trunk (9923-82 Avenue) will host an 18+ party from 8-11pm with a special discount of 15% off for all patrons.

Mark Saturday June, 8th on your calendar as the annual Pride Parade will begin at noon in Edmonton’s downtown core with an estimated 75 to 80 floats for your enjoyment. The title of Official Parade Marshal for 2013 goes to the Pride Centre of Edmonton.  From noon to 8pm, a celebration on Sir Winston Churchill Square will take place with great food, intriguing exhibits, dancing, and more! Angela Bennett, executive director, is excited to share new programming for Celebration on the Square including a second stage in the Virgin Radio Entertainment Zone featuring local bands such as Rae Spoon.

The Celebration on the Square will have a family fun zone with a bouncy castle, airbrush tattoos and activities for the little ones. Wine on the Square will also take place from 1-5pm for the 18+ audience.

The Edmonton Pride Festival is excited to bring back the Loud "N" Proud dance held at Delta Edmonton Centre starting at 8pm (tickets are $25 in advance, or $35 at the door). The Starlite Room will host the PURE Pride Party at 9pm (tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door). The Lockeroom Bar will host another fantastic Bear event, Bearracuda at 8pm ($10 cover charge).

Sunday, June 9th kicks off with Pancakes for Pride at Oliver Hall from 10am to noon. McDougall United Church (10025-101 street) offers a Pride Church Service at 10:30am.  The Mercury Room will host the Beef Bear Bust BBQ from noon to 5pm with a charge of $5. Sunday concludes with an intriguing event at The Unitarian Church of Edmonton. Starting at 7:30pm will be a display of wonderful music benefiting the Pride Centre of Edmonton.

Bennett is excited for this year’s festival. She encourages patrons to attend the Saturday, June 15th event from noon to 10pm. "The family picnic is shaping up to be our second largest event for Pride and with ReMax as a sponsor, we are delighted to be able to provide families with some awesome activities including a magic show and movie!"

Meanwhile, another extremely exciting family-based event, the Come Out and Play Picnic, is happening Saturday June 15th from noon to 10pm alongside the aforementioned family picnic.  "We look forward to some great interaction at Oliver Park," says Benett.

Aside from these major events, throughout the week there will be history tours, movie nights, pageants and much more! The downtown Edmonton Winners will be giving away rainbow flags to gain support and rev up positive energy for the week.

Everyone is welcome to come out and celebrate the many milestones and achievements in the LGBT community of Edmonton. Stand together with the community, and Stand PROUD!