With Creston celebrating its centennial this year, 2024 is a fitting time to make history. 

OUTspoken, the local 2SLGBTQ+ community, plans to host the town害羞草研究所檚 first Pride festival on the last weekend of June.

Since forming in 2017, this is a huge milestone for the group. Along the way, OUTspoken hasn害羞草研究所檛 always been met with acceptance. From public harassment to online vitriol, Creston害羞草研究所檚 2SLGBTQ+  have struggled to feel safe in their own hometown. But now thanks to an outpouring of support, OUTspoken has gained momentum with a committee 22-members strong. 

It began in October last year during the SOGI protests, when some members realized how much their presence was needed. 

害羞草研究所淭he difference is the love this time, the hate has always been there,害羞草研究所� said Nikolas, co-ordinator for OUTspoken. 害羞草研究所淲e've had so many people come up to us and say, 害羞草研究所楾hat is not the Creston that I want to live in.害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟

The Advance has chosen to withhold the co-ordinators' last names.
 
Over the last six months of planning the festival, OUTspoken has worked towards visibility around town with a Pride flag at town hall and a regular booth at the Creston Valley Farmers害羞草研究所� Market.

害羞草研究所淢y goal is to show other people in this community that they害羞草研究所檙e not alone,害羞草研究所� said Sara, also a co-ordinator for OUTspoken. 害羞草研究所淲e want to highlight and celebrate what we've achieved so far and what our community is all about.害羞草研究所�

The hate-fuelled, hurtful comments their members have received over the last seven years have been 害羞草研究所渦nsettling and scarring,害羞草研究所� causing OUTspoken to go quiet at times. 

害羞草研究所淭hat's why we're holding Pride Fest, because it's not about hiding,害羞草研究所� said Sara. 害羞草研究所淚t's time for us to be loud and be proud. I want to be happy about who I am in my community 害羞草研究所� a community that is proving to be more inclusive, more open, and understanding.害羞草研究所�

The festival will be held on June 29, the day after the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City, in solidarity and remembrance.

The event will be hosted at Mountain Park Resort starting with a market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendors coming from as far as Vancouver and Kelowna. In the afternoon, anyone is welcome to join the talent show from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The celebration will continue into the evening with music, special guest performers, dancing, and games from 8 to 10:30 p.m. 

It is all thanks to the work of volunteers and crowdfunding. 

害羞草研究所淲e have an incredible committee of people who have given their heart and soul,害羞草研究所� said Sara. 害羞草研究所淚 am incredibly excited to be able to provide a place where we can feel safe, where we can have a fun atmosphere, where we can enjoy ourselves and celebrate our history.害羞草研究所�

Another big motivation for hosting the festival is to bring tourism dollars into the Creston Valley, especially during a year when the local orchards are struggling due to unusual weather. 

害羞草研究所淐ommunity growth is a big part of it,害羞草研究所� said Nikolas. 害羞草研究所淲e can help with that. Every person who comes for Pride Fest also needs to eat meals or stay the night. That's something that could be a regular thing, bringing people to town for entertainment.害羞草研究所�

Volunteers and donations for festival support or prizes are still needed. To help, get in touch through the OUTspoken Facebook page or at outspoken-creston@hotmail.com.