This sunny Saturday, people from across Golden gathered in Spirit Square to celebrate Pride Month. The celebration was one of the largest Pride events the community has seen to date, filling the square with music, laughter, and a strong sense of connection.
Just seven years ago, in 2019, Golden’s first official Pride celebration was a much smaller affair, consisting of a flag raising and barbecue organized by the Golden Pride Society. Since then, the event has grown into a vibrant community celebration that attracts residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Many businesses and local organizations set up booths in Spirit Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Columbia River Métis Society, Golden Women’s Resource Centre, and Golden Fire Department were among the groups showing their support and connecting with community members throughout the day.
The event featured food trucks, a performance by Golden Aerials, bubbles and crafts for children, and a family-friendly drag show. The festivities continued into the evening at the Rockwater with all-ages karaoke from 7 to 9 p.m. Later, performers returned to the stage for a 19+ drag show that carried on well into the night.
The Golden Pride Society made sure there was something for everyone, creating an atmosphere where anyone who wanted to participate could feel welcome.
One attendee, Molly Henderson, was beaming throughout the day’s activities. When asked what the event meant to her, she replied, “It means self-acceptance.” She continued, “I feel more confident after this. Just feeling all the peace and the love everywhere, it’s amazing.”
That sentiment captures the true spirit of Pride: feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. The Golden Pride Society has worked hard to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ people in our community have a safe and supportive space to turn to, something that can be especially important in a small town. With each passing year, the celebration continues to grow, reflecting a broader culture of acceptance and support within the community.
Having lived in larger cities for most of my life and attended major Pride celebrations, I was not sure what to expect from Pride Month in Golden. Walking into Spirit Square on Saturday, however, I was genuinely impressed by the number of people who came out to support the Golden Pride Society and the local queer community. The crowd was diverse, enthusiastic, and welcoming.
Events like this demonstrate the strength of community. Whether people attended to celebrate, support a friend or family member, learn more, or simply enjoy the festivities, the message was clear: everyone deserves a place where they feel accepted and valued. Judging by this year’s turnout, Pride in Golden continues to grow not only in size, but also in the sense of belonging it creates.
