Palestine Action YYT Holds “Pride on the Harbour”

Park goers watching the show at Harbourside Park

Palestine Action YYT was excited to announce “Pride on the Harbour”, an all-ages drag performance, barbecue, and community gathering, which took place at Harbourside Park on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Pride on the Harbour featured some of the biggest stars in the St. John’s drag scene: hosted by nationally-acclaimed Canada’s Drag Race contestant Irma Gerd, guests enjoyed performances by drag superstars Liezel Hues, Andrezi, Madame Daddy, Gravy, Eda Kumquat, and Sugars Arlowe.

“We were disappointed by the cancellation of Harvey’s Pride on the Pier, but we believe that it is a privilege for anyone to contribute to Pride festivals, which stand in defence of the human right to exist,” says Zayd Khraishi, an organizer with Palestine Action YYT. “Festivals like this are offered by and for communities, and we are thrilled and thankful to fill the gap left in the schedule by offering a free, family-friendly event for all of us to enjoy.”

The event included a barbecue and frozen treats, available free of charge to attendees. There was no cover fee—all were welcome to drop by and enjoy an afternoon of drag, celebration, and fun.

“Pride on the Harbour is a celebration of queer love and pride, but also more generally an expression of community, freedom, and the freedom to be ourselves. This is an event by the community, for the community,” says Carmella Gray-Cosgrove, also of Palestine Action YYT.

“Given the atrocious humanitarian situation in Gaza, our group has had little cause for celebration in the past nine months,” stated Elise Thorburn, a fellow organizer. “But so many of our supporters belong to the queer community, and we wanted to stand in solidarity with those supporters and with St. John’s Pride. Pride on the Harbour grew out of that desire.”