Your guide to Pride Month 2022 in Hamilton

The Pride flags are up around the city (even, this year, at local Catholic schools), and people around Hamilton are spending the month celebrating sexual diversity and the wide spectrum of identities that exist among people who live here.

Hamilton City Hall has updated its Pride flag from the traditional rainbow to the Progress Pride flag, which celebrates the diversity and history of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community with the addition of black, brown, pink, light blue and white stripes to represent Black and Brown people, and those who are trans, gender non-binary, intersex and all those across the gender spectrum.

"The Progress Pride flag is taking the place of the original Rainbow Pride flag and is a wonderful inclusive update. It will be flown alongside the Trans Pride flag and was selected after consulting with the City of Hamilton's LGBTQ Advisory Committee," Mayor Fred Eisenberger said in a release.

A pride event in Binbrook already helped kick-off the month in early June but there's lots to do all month for those who want to get involved, whether you're up for a chill community gathering or a high-energy throw-down.

And, save some energy for Pride Hamilton's official event, which will be held July 8 and July 9 at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Organizers say this year's event will be held indoors to increase safety and accessibility.

Here's CBC Hamilton's guide to events going on locally during Pride Month.

Wednesday, June 8

Grain and Grit Brewery - Cut+Paste+Chill - 7-9 p.m.

Part of Fruit Salad Wednesdays happening at the brewery for the month of June, this event for queer women and gender non-conforming folks describes itself as an "open-studio-style collage jam." The first Wednesday is co-hosted by local artist Stylo Starr. Tickets are $30. 

Saturday, June 11

Workers Arts and Heritage Centre - Second Saturdays, Pride Edition - 1-4 p.m.

This event in the backyard of the beautiful WAHC features banner painting, button making, music and play. Music will be provided by Jupiter Allen, who is "guaranteed to give audiences a good time with their unique energetic performances and their amazing theatricality," says the WAHC. Proof of vaccination (for people 13 and over) and masks required.

Collective Arts - Fruit Salad - 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

This is the Pride edition of the regular happy-hour events for queer women, gender nonconforming folks and their friends. It will be held inside the beer hall and outside on the beer garden patio. Includes Kam on the steel pan to start the night, then music by DJ Fly Lady Di. Tickets are $27.54. 

Cedars Campground - House of Adam and Steve - 9 p.m-2 a.m.

Cedars, a gay and lesbian campground in Flamborough, is hosting the House of Adam and Steve for a drag show and dance party featuring the winner of Canada's Drag Race Season 1, Priyanka. Campsites are not included in the $48.76-$69.98 ticket price.

Wednesday, June 15

Speqtrum - Pride Through History - 5-6:30 p.m.

Part of Speqtrum's Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Newcomers series, this event promises a night of games and conversation about the history of the community. It will be held on Zoom. Register here. 

Grain and Grit Brewery - Queeraoke - 7-9 p.m.

Part of Fruit Salad Wednesdays happening at the brewery for the month of June, organizers of this event for queer women and gender non-conforming folks encourage patrons to "come dressed in drag, if you'd like!" Tickets are $20. 

Thursday, June 16

Art Gallery of Hamilton - Speakers of Truth: Two-Spirit Pride - 7-9 p.m.

Part of an ongoing series of "kitchen table talks" about Indigenous issues at the AGH, this event will look at Two-Spirit identity. "Two Spirit people frequently hold key positions within their communities as leaders, counsellors, healers, and other roles; they have also faced erasure, hatred, and attempted assimilation throughout history." Register to attend in-person or on Zoom here. 

Saturday, June 18

Chiefswood Park - Paddle for Pride - 1:30-10 p.m.

Six Nations Pride Committee has paired with Chiefswood Park heritage site to host Paddle for Pride, a day of paddling and entertainment, ending with a film screening. Canoes will launch from Front Street and Highway 54 in Onondaga at 2 p.m. 

Listen: Mississauga Gimaa (Chief) Stacey Laforme says "it's time to celebrate who you are"

Pride Picnic at Bayfront Park, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

An outdoor, free event around the gazebo at Bayfront Park. Expect music, new connections and possibly some outdoor games. Event hosts House of Adam and Steve invite people to join them at nearby restaurant Martello for drinks and a DJ afterwards. 

Sunday, June 19

That's My Jam - Jam'n Drag Brunch - 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

One of several events lined up for the House of Adam and Steve Pride celebrations, this brunch event features Karma and Kamilla Kameleon. Tickets are $11.62-$22.23, food not included.

Divas to the dance floor, 7 p.m. 

New business on the block The Well Hamilton on Cannon Street East has events all month, including a Sunday series of drag shows. June 19 features TroyBoy Parks. 

Wednesday, June 22

Grain and Grit Brewery - Out Late - 7-9 p.m.

Part of Fruit Salad Wednesdays happening at the brewery for the month of June, this event is aimed at queer women and gender non-conforming folks who came out late in life. "Learn how to go on more dates, gain savvy, and get comfortable with queer dating." Tickets are on a sliding scale between $10 and $45 and is led by facilitator Ruth Neustifter, a mental health and relationship expert, sex educator and anti-oppression consultant. 

Saturday, June 25

Everywhere - Porch Pride  - 12-3 p.m.

Hamilton Porch Pride is challenging everyone in the city and surrounding areas to decorate the front of their homes in rainbows and party outside. "Encourage your neighbours to participate and cover your block in rainbows!"

Pin Printing Pride Party, 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

The Neighbour to Neighbour Centre in Hamilton is having a Pin Printing Pride Party, with "free snacks, resources, and use of supplies and button-making machine for all 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies." The event takes place at the organization's Community Food Centre 10-310 Limeridge Road W.

Wednesday, June 29

Speqtrum - Pride Through Music - 5-6:30 p.m.

Part of Speqtrum's Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Newcomers series, this event promises "an evening filled with music and joy" to round out Pride month. It will be held on Zoom. Register here. 

Thursday, June 30

Bridgeworks - Thorgy Thor drag show - 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

One of several events lined up for the House of Adam and Steve's Pride celebrations, the event's headliner starred in Rupaul's Drag Race season 8 and All-Stars season 3. Tickets are $35.69-$57.40.

Thursday, July 7

Queer March and Street Party: Hamilton Pride Kick-off Event, 7:30 p.m. in Gore Park. 

Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9

Pride Hamilton! At the Hamilton Convention Centre. 

Hosting a public Pride event that's not listed here? Send the details to [email protected].