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Dawson proclaims 21 days of Pride

DAWSON CITY – Pride celebrations began a day early in Dawson, though the town council had proclaimed on June 18 that events would take place between June 29 and July 19.

The weekend leading up to Canada Day was full of related events, beginning with a Fashion Fam: Runway Reunion held at the Palace Grand Theatre last Friday.

The following Saturday featured a boisterous afternoon Pride Parade around town from Minto Park to the town hall and back again.

The Pride Flag was raised at town hall and Mayor Bill Kendrick read aloud the full proclamation, including these words:

“The City of Dawson is strongest when we all can participate in the development of our community and live in dignity and without fear of discrimination, and July 14, 2024, marks the 20th anniversary of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in the Yukon and provides the opportunity to reaffirm our town’s commitment to equality, and June 29, 2024, marks the date for the 2024 Dawson City Pride Parade, a time to celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and progress made in building an inclusive society ….”

Organizer Kiki Barua offered a few remarks based on their experiences. The flag will fly until July 19.

The evening continued with a dance at the Dënäkär Zho ballroom, themed as a Fightin’ Fam: Rassle and Rave event, described as “a throwback to local queer history – this 19+ league of lady wrestlers steamed dance party featured appearances by original LOLW brawlers!”

Last Sunday had one last official event, a FamJam volunteer aftercare barbecue.

IMPORTANT SYMBOLISM – Dawson City Mayor Bill Kendrick watches last Saturday as Kiki Barua raises the Pride Flag. (Dan Davidson / The Yukon Star)

Dan Davidson

He taught in Beaver Creek, Faro, and Dawson from 1976-2008. Since 1977 he has been writing reviews, news and commentary for the Whitehorse Star and What’s Up Yukon. In 1989 he helped to found the Klondike Sun, which he edited for 31 years. The Yukon Star is glad to feature stories from photos and Dan as our Dawson community correspondent.

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