A Discussion on Representation
Yasmine Modaresi (she/her) // Crew Writer
Sasha Lun (she/her) // Illustrator
Since the pride celebrations of August this summer, critiques have arisen in LGBTQ+ sub–communities throughout Vancouver regarding topics of inclusivity and monotonous displays of diversity. Vancouver Pride showcased many impressive floats, performances, and artistic displays. Yet amongst all the commotion, people of colour (POC) and individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds were underrepresented. At first glance, some may interpret this as individuals of certain ethnic or cultural backgrounds simply refraining from public participation in pride events. However, a closer look at Pride events reveals a rich history of ethnic and cultural diversity interwoven with the progression of LGBTQ+ rights.
Across North America, Pride has always been a movement for human rights, and as a result, inseparable from the struggles of communities of colour. One of the most famed examples of queer POC involvement in human rights is that of the Stonewall Riots in 1968. During these riots, trans women of colour organised and led pivotal riots in response to police brutality and systemic oppression faced by LGBTQ+ people—particularly those experiencing multiple forms of systemic marginalisation through both race and sexuality.
While often considered the catalyst for the progression of LGBTQ+ rights, the Stonewall Riots weren’t isolated events. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, marginalised communities were forced together in protest due to their collective lack of fundamental human rights. Observing the early history of the civil rights movement, Pride was a monument erected upon a foundation of protests and riots that sought to deconstruct cultural norms of police violence, racial discrimination, and economic inequality.
Over this year’s summer in Vancouver, B.C., the Pride parade was so celebratory that a casual onlooker may be unaware of its deep cultural and humanitarian significance. A celebration of love in all forms is a revolutionary act in itself and should be valued as a marker of progress in basic rights for all. Yet, whether you went to the pride parade in person or looked at pictures online, something that becomes very apparent is an ironic lack of diversity in a space built upon concepts of inclusivity: the parade was overwhelmingly white.
While there was some showcasing of Indigenous communities in portions of the parade, it’s safe to say that Pride can do more to collaborate with queer communities of diverse backgrounds throughout Vancouver. After all, Pride is not just about celebration, but also about creating an accepting space where queer folks of all backgrounds can cultivate community. With the influx of immigrants to large metropolitan regions like Vancouver, it’s obvious that along with the majority of heterosexual and cisgender immigrants, there will also be queer immigrants. Along with them, there is also the underrepresented queer community already residing within the greater Vancouver area. It seems only reasonable for queer people from all walks of life to be represented in Pride celebrations.
Throughout Vancouver, there are a plethora of queer POC-centred spaces that are both ethnically and culturally inclusive. In future pride events, direct collaboration with such organisations could mean the difference between Pride being a celebration of love and Pride being a celebration of love plus a community-building event.
Queer Vancouverites will have to wait an entire year for Pride to grace our streets once more—and a year is a long time for queer POC folks to wait for an opportunity to grow their community. So, in collaboration with a few queer POCs from the greater Vancouver area, read on to learn about some amazing organisations that are actively weaving a city-wide infrastructure of cultural competence, community, and love.
Nestled near Chinatown, the Vancouver Black Library (VBL) is an incredible space for learning, education, and a safe space for queer POC folks to build meaningful relationships and community. With the longstanding history of non-white knowledge, experiences, and ways of life being completely erased from traditional archives like libraries and academic institutions, the VBL highlights the writings of Black and other POC writers, scholars, and activists. Vancouverites of all backgrounds are welcomed to this space to increase their knowledge of Black history and culture in Canada.
Another art-themed Vancouver-based queer space is Love Intersections, a media arts collective founded by queer artists of colour. This organisation has continuously devoted itself to addressing societal issues such as systemic racism through relational storytelling and art. Revolutionary change is a central goal and intersectionality is incorporated into stories to advocate for underrepresented communities of colour.
Finally, queer youth of any heritage can find their community at Ricecake, which strives to make spaces of support and inclusivity where Asian and other POC youth can explore their complex identities. The organisation has consistently showcased Asian artists and talent and has been successful in creating a queer space for ethnic and racial minorities who have previously felt that they lack a home in more mainstream LGBTQ+ communities.