See what’s happening
Pride is about coming together as a community to celebrate the freedom to be yourself, to uplift and honour 2SLGBTQ+ activism, and to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Here you can celebrate some local talent, learn about the allies and activists in your community, as well as a listing of free local events and resources available to you through your local library.
Special Edition “Love is Love” Library Cards
We are proud to showcase our commitment to inclusivity and diversity and you can too! The Love is Love card joins the 5 other Library card designs available for free to Innisfil residents. For $5 you can replace a lost card, or upgrade to the new design, and the proceeds will go towards the 2SLGBTQ+ programming at the Library. Available all year long!
Flag Raising
You are invited to join us at Town Hall on Thursday, June 13 at 1 p.m. for the raising of the Pride flag to celebrate Pride Month.
Pride Month Book Lists
The Library has curated booklists to highlight the remarkable works of queer authors. These collections encompass a wide range of genres and perspectives, and provide an opportunity for readers to explore and appreciate the diverse experiences and voices within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Read along with us to support the LGBTQ+ community with books that empower and inspire . Check out our staff-created book lists for children and adults on Bibliocommons.
Exhibition on Display at the Lakeshore Branch
Lintel (2023-2024) consists of a spatial translation of a drawing by Francisco-Fernando Granados created especially for the windows at our Lakeshore Branch. Combining concentric sets of shapes in 3 primary colours created through the technology publicly available in the Library’s HackLAB, the work acts as a study of slow movement.
The overlapping pieces of laser-cut plexiglass create rotating compositions, this group of spheres cast coloured shadows throughout the day as the sun travels through them.
This gentle intervention into the space aims to honour libraries as sites in which the mind turns in slow, articulated ways in order to create new forms of understanding. On display at our Lakeshore Branch until April 2025.
Francisco-Fernando Granados (he/him) was born in Guatemala and lives in Tkaronto/Toronto. Through media that extends from drawing and performance into installation, publishing, and public art, he uses abstraction as a conceptual strategy to create projects that queer perceptions of identity.
Drag Queen Storytime
Mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss Drag Queen Storytime – a family-friendly, inclusive event filled with stories and songs that explores themes of diversity and acceptance. Families will enjoy listening to stories, singing songs and participating in rhymes. After storytime, there will be a fun craft to take home, and an opportunity for a meet and greet with the two performers.
Drag Queen storytime is one of many inclusive programs at our Library that promotes literacy, diversity and acceptance.
Registration is required for this free event.
July 6, 2024, 1-4pm pm, Lakeshore Branch
pflag Barrie Simcoe County will be at the Lakeshore Branch Saturday, June 8 from 10:30-11:30am. pflag works with 2SLGBTQ+ parents and families, allies and loved ones, to help provide peer support, advocacy and education.
Meet our partners past and present
Thanks to our partners for championing inclusiveness in our community and working with us to offer events this month!
Innisfil Pride
Community Partner
Innisfil Pride is all about the inclusion and support for LGBTTIQQ2SA.
As the logo indicates, Innisfil Pride wants everyone to feel safe and respected to “bee yourself.”
Whether you identify with LGBTTIQQ2SA or are simply a supporter, Innisfil Pride welcomes everyone with a positive, open, and encouraging mindset.
Justine D’as
Drag Queen
In a short few years, Justine D’as has lip-synced her padded butt off performing at tons of queer social events, with the Army Of Sass Barrie, at various charitable events, drag queen story reads, to sharing the stage with a Ru Girl and even making herstory as one of the first drag queens to perform on a Canadian Armed Forces Base.
Devoit O’Virtue
Durham-based Drag Performer
Devoit O’Virtue has high energy, a big personality and a passion for the stage and art of performance.
Activism, giving back to the community, and a heart as big as Devoit’s hair!
UPlift Black
Community Partner
UPlift Black is a Black and 2SLGBTQl+ -led not for profit and Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion based in the heart of downtown Barrie, Ontario
Fierté Simcoe Pride
Community Partner
Fierté Simcoe Pride (FSP) formed in May of 2012 as a small grassroots volunteer group aiming to unite people in Pride across the County. As an organization, FSP continues a long tradition of LGBT organizing in Simcoe while working with other organizations, groups, and partners to build community.
The Gilbert Centre
Community Partner
Gilbert Centre provides HIV, HCV, and LGBTQ social and support services to empower and promote health. This account is not monitored 24/7 and is not a crisis service.
The Haus of Devereaux is an iconic collective of drag queens who have captivated audiences worldwide with their extraordinary talent, creativity, and fearless self-expression. Each member of the Haus of Devereaux possesses a unique style, personality, and flair. From the glamorous to the avant-garde, these queens mesmerize audiences with their impeccable makeup skills, dazzling costumes, and captivating performances.
The Haus of Devereaux is more than just a group of drag performers; it is a tight-knit family that supports and uplifts one another. They embrace diversity and individuality, celebrating the vast spectrum of gender identity and expression. With their bold and empowering presence, they inspire others to embrace their true selves and embrace their inner divas.