If you’re looking for a pride event that’s unique, loads of fun and in a setting where a dip in the lake is the perfect accompaniment to a Pride parade, then this August Pride in the Highlands is your jam. Between Aug. 18 to 24, Pride in the Highlands (originally called Minden Pride) is taking place once again in the small communities of Minden and Haliburton, found deep in cottage country of Haliburton Highlands. 

New this year, activities will also be held in Haliburton, creating a true "Highlands" event.

Haliburton Highlands is no stranger to the Pride game, and their event has become known across Ontario as one of the best in the show It was in 2016 that a group of nine individuals decided to create their own Pride event in the community in response to some not-so-great homophobic events in Haliburton.

Allan Guinan was one of the founding organizers and explained that the idea was to increase the visibility of the LGBTQS+ for residents and also for people from outside the community to come and enjoy the event.

“We work really hard to build awareness, respect, and social engagement with the LGBTQ people and all our allies. It’s a great way to represent equal rights for our community,” Guinan said.

In 2016 the community delivered, and then some. High school students and other members of the community came forward to celebrate the LGBTQS+ presence in the community, and so Minden Pride was born. The first two years featured smaller events like a flag raising and community picnic in Minden and has since expanded into a week-long celebration that takes place across Haliburton Highlands.

Pride in the Highlands events have transformed the community, inviting locals to recognize and respect the LGBTQ2S+ culture while also encouraging visitation by others. In past years, Minden was featured on the popular Canadian TV series, Still Standing, and Pride in the Highlands was included in recognition of this transformation.

The annual August event series draws people from the city of Toronto and from other regions in Ontario. The attraction is in great part the small, hometown feel of the event, coupled with the phenomenal setting of the Haliburton Highlands in summer.

“People really like the homegrown spirit of it and it being a smaller, more intimate series of events,” Guinan explained.

What’s on the agenda for this August? More fun, more fabulous, and more Pride in the Highlands.

This year’s event features activities in both Minden and Haliburton, including a flag raising on Aug. 18 in both communities, followed by Drag Story Time on Aug. 19 in Minden, a Sound Bath and Bonfire at Dimensions in Algonquin Highlands on Aug. 19, a Queer Art Exhibit in Minden on Aug. 22, Out on the Street Line Dancing on Aug. 23, with the event culminating in a Rainbow Streetfest and Float with Pride River Parade on Aug. 24.

If you’re up for an epic good time this summer, head to Minden or Haliburton in August and #ShowYourPride.

Find a full listing of events here.

Summer