(Gananoque, ON – June 1, 2025) Pride Week exploded over Gananoque in a living rainbow of colour and enthusiasm as the Gananoque Pride Alliance (GPA) held their annual festival of events from May 28 through June 1. Throughout the town events were held ranging from flag raising to the annual pride parade down King Street and many things in between.
“What an incredible week it’s been,” said Zack Hong, co-president of the GPA. “From the powerful parade to all the amazing events leading up to the great events, this community has truly shown up with heart, colour, and pride. To everyone who marched, danced, volunteered, performed, and supported – thank you. You made this celebration unforgettable.
“Pride is about joy, yes, but it’s also about visibility, resistance, and love. It’s about creating space where all 2SLGBTQIA+ people feel seen, safe, and celebrated – especially in small towns like ours. To our queer, trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit family: You are valid. You are powerful. And you belong right here. To our allies: Keep showing up. Keep speaking out. Your support matters more than you know. So, let’s celebrate who we are. Let’s honour how far we’ve come. And let’s keep building a future where every person can live out loud and with pride.”
The event started with the flag raising at Town Hall and greetings from the Town Crier.
“The flag is to showcase the people and the diversity we have as a nation and to be proud of who we are with our individualism,” said town crier Brian Mabee. “Take pride in our own personalities.”
Gananoque Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley read a special poem for the occasion, and Hong presented one of his own word pieces entitled “Not for Your Profit”.
People of all ages and every level of society came out to celebrate with the GPA. Joy and love were in the air, and people responded to the true spirit of the event. Colourful flags were seen throughout the town, and many businesses hosted special events for the Pride community.
“We were so excited to share a reading from ‘Roar’ by Shelley Thompson over at the O’Connor Gallery – it’s a powerful and moving story about identity, family, and acceptance,” said Hong. “Set in small-town Nova Scotia, Roar follows a trans teen and her father as they navigate grief, love, and the journey toward understanding. It’s a story that speaks to the heart of what Pride is all about – being seen, being heard, and being true to yourself.
“We also welcomed T. Thomason – an award-winning singer-songwriter whose music blends powerful vocals, raw emotion, and bold storytelling. T. has been making waves for over a decade, winning the Canadian Folk Music Award for Young Performer of the Year in 2011, and a competition at Ottawa Bluesfest in 2012, and the Emerging Artist Series at Summerfest in 2013. Beyond the music, T. was also named one of Canada’s Top 20 Under 20 by Youth in Motion for his work as a human rights activist – proving that his voice is as powerful offstage as it is on.”
Shelley Thompson, celebrated filmmaker, actor, and novelist, performed a reading from her book “Roar” as one of the many offerings during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Shelley Thompson, celebrated filmmaker, actor, and novelist, performed a reading from her book “Roar” to a full house at the O’Connor Gallery, one of the many offerings during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
T. Thomason, an award-winning singer-songwriter, performed to a full house at the O’Connor Gallery, one of the many offerings during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette)
This was just a taste of what the event had to offer. Live variety and burlesque shows were held at the Royal Theater, crafts and storytelling were available at the Gananoque Arts Network, and a popular vendors’ market was held beside the Gord Brown Rink. There were games for the kids, and parties for all.
Town Crier Brian Mabee led the parade down King Street West to celebrate Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Deputy Mayor Vicki Leakey joined in with enthusiasm during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
It was a time for everyone to show their Pride. L-r, Darcy McNinch, Mitchell Bierd, Margaux Booth, and ShockTea Bubblegum – representing the “Reelout Film Festival” (LGBTQ+ film festival in Kingston) (Lorraine Payette) 
The rainbow came in all shapes and sizes during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
A vendors’ market full of new and exciting items was available during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Freeze Dried Candy was only one of the new and exciting items was available during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Kids had a great time playing “rainbow hole” at Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Everyone and his dog was there – Frodo T. Beggins was sporting his glad rags during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Gananoque’s Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley read a special poem she had written for the occasion during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Gananoque Pride Alliance co-president Zack Hong performed an original word piece during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
The colours of Pride were flying high at Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette) 
Everywhere you looked you saw rainbow colours during Pride Week in Gananoque. (Lorraine Payette)
“This week we have celebrated the people and diversity we have as a nation”, said Mabee. “We have had something for everyone – vendors, games, and live music with Sweetleaf, Nice On, and James King. In Canada we have many freedoms that we can be thankful for. Let us all treat our fellow persons as we wish to be treated – with respect.”
To learn more about the GPA go to ganpridealliance.ca/.
A Fresh News Start 