Thanks to all who came out and supporting Drag Storytime at the National Arts Centre. We danced, we had fun, and we outnumbered the far-right big time! Love is stronger than hate!

Next steps: so far we’ve seen a few individual far-right types posting on social media about planning to disrupt Capital Pride programming this weekend on Sparks Street. Nothing seems to be organized formally yet, but that doesn’t mean a few bad actors won’t show up with bad intentions. So why not make plans to head out and attend some of the amazing outdoor pride programming on Sparks Street this weekend?

Check out the schedule of events here. We have only seen threats to disrupt the outdoor drag events on Sparks Street so far (6-9pm on Friday, 11am-5pm on Saturday, and 11am-4pm on Sunday), but if anything changes we’ll send a follow up email.

As always, keep yourself safe, go with a buddy or friends, talk with your group about what you’re comfortable doing and not doing if there is a disruption, and of course, have a great time at some amazing winter pride events. Show up early, be ready to safely intervene if needed, and enjoy the shows otherwise!

If you’re out at a Capital Pride event this weekend and see some convoy-types milling around or being disruptive, please use the Twitter hashtag #OttawaPrideDefence to alert others to what’s happening, and email us at communitysolidarity.ottawa@gmail.com so we can try to organize a rapid response.