We’re here all year!
As 2026 takes hold, we wanted to take a moment to say thanks and remind you that Pride on Bowen Island doesn’t begin and end in June. It’s a year-round presence built on inclusivity, connection, joy, and care.
🌟 What We’re Proud of from 2025
This past year was full of moments that reminded us why this work matters:
Queers & Cheers at the Legion. Our very first event there, and what a night! A packed room, big laughs, and incredible energy. We think a new tradition was born.
Two sold-out community dinners — record ticket sales, record vegetarian meals (turns out gays do love veggies 🌱), and a beautifully orchestrated volunteer team.
Another epic Pride Weekend — over 500 attendees, sunny skies, new partners, a joyful parade and picnic, and even a new after-party venue. So many smiling faces, young and old, quiet and loud, out and proud. Community collaborations — from leading the Bowfest Parade with music, candy, and flair, to partnering with Bowen Rec on a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening that raised funds and visibility for future Pride programming.
Showing up year-round — our Halloween booth in the loop, where teens lingered and one parent simply said, “Thank you for showing up,” reminded us just how much visibility and safety matter.
📣 Staying Connected
We grew our social media presence this year to better celebrate the diversity of our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, share stories, and keep Pride visible throughout the seasons. We even launched a Pride merch line, and we LOVE spotting it around the island!
🛠️ Growing Stronger Behind the Scenes
We also spent time building organizational strength within the Pride Society:
Navigating bylaws and governance
Learning nonprofit best practices
Building systems that work
Opening a bank account and beginning to accept donations
These steps may not always be visible, but they help ensure Pride on Bowen Island is here for the long haul.
This year is off to a fun start with the first annual People’s Prom on Bowen Island hosted by the Legion February 28! Tickets sold out in record time and we’re so thrilled with how excited folks are to dance together and reimagine their prom!
👚💗🌸👚
Wed, Feb 25, 2026 is Pink Shirt Day and is an important reminder to spread kindness, stand up against bullying, and support folks to be their true selves.
🌈 Looking Ahead
Our vision is a Bowen Island / Nexwlélexm where 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages and backgrounds find belonging, representation, and celebration. We aim to be a pillar of community connection - hosting joyful, welcoming, and safe events year-round, while continuing our commitment to advocacy, education, and sustainability.
We’ve started planning even more events for Pride 2026 and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. Save the date! This year’s Third Annual Bowen Island Pride Parade is on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Thank you for being part of this community, for showing up, and for helping make Bowen Island a place where everyone belongs.
