June is Pride Month, a celebration of inclusion, colour and music that everyone can enjoy.
We asked Jason Veltri, President of the Rainbow Collective to talk about some of the events being planned and to share his 5 favourite desert island songs he would bring along.
“This years’ Pride Month Celebrations offer something for everyone. The Pride Street Festival is returning but moving to the Waterfront District on Saturday, June 18th. The all-day event promises to be a flashy one, including arts and crafts, vendors, a bouncy castle for kids and a Pride Market at Goods and Co. on June 18th.
We really wanted to involve the local businesses and eateries to help the core recover after covid.
Other events include Drag Bingo at Lakehead Beer Co. on June 24, Literacy, a Poetry Night at the Mary J.L. Black Library on June 29, plus reflection events, games nights and other events all month long.
Support this year has been tremendous!
“Music is a big part of my life and personality, and these desert island songs represent my journey through life thus far, these songs are quintessentially me”.
Lady Gaga – Hair
“I have ‘wacky’ hair, I live my truth through my hair. It’s an expression of my personality. I’ve seen Gaga 16 times, she’s my favourite performer!”
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance with Somebody
“One of the first songs I remember as a kid was this one. It’s the first song I remember the lyrics to and wanted to emulate”.
Cher – Believe
“This is an incredibly fun dance anthem that came to me during a period when I was trying to figure out my identity. Cher is such an icon, I’ve seen her 7 times live”.
Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’
“As a product of parents from the 80’s, we listened to all of the fun 80’s bands like REO Speedwagon and Bruce Springsteen in our house. This is a favourite that still resonates from my childhood and today”.
The Greatest Showman Soundtrack - Never Enough
“I’m a musical theatre buff, and this song featured incredible vocals with a message to always do more and never give up. It inspires me and keeps me going. It’s slower than the other songs on
my list, but it’s a song that makes you think”.
For more on Pride Month Events visit the Rainbow Collective and Thunder Pride facebook pages.
