Attendees pose of a picture at the 2025 Pride for Everyone in Kin Coulee Park.--Submitted Photo
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat & District is looking back on two years as of Tuesday, and forward to all the years to come.
The time has gone quickly, says president Sterling Hyde, even though the guild has been running for much longer. Since its incorporation as a non-profit, the guild has hosted 38 events, including two major pride celebrations in June and eight fundraisers, with only two having a cost to entry.
“Having the majority of our events being financially accessible is hugely important to us, as the queer community is disproportionately affected by poverty,” said Hyde.
Because of this, the two drag show events have seen tiered ticket prices, which allow those with lower cash flow to pay at a level better suiting their financial situation.
This has seen great success in lowering barriers and in allowing the community to show generosity, as 30 and 38 per cent of ticket sales for the respective shows have been in the pay-it-forward or highest ticket tiers.
While it took some time for the guild to find its niche and understand what the community needed, Hyde says if they had to do it all again, the leading members likely wouldn’t change a thing.
“We are also celebrating the many connections we have made with local businesses, other organizations and most importantly individual people,” said Hyde. “We have heard so many great stories of people swimming publicly for the first time ever at our recent Rainbow Splash series of events, or of people feeling less alone and like they don’t need to hide.”
He also expresses gratitude that they have not experienced any hate or pushback in person at any events.
Looking back, Hyde thinks fondly on some of the landmark successes, such as the guild’s first annual Pride Month event only four months after incorporation, the attendance at its first Trans Day of Visibility in 2025 and holding a Candidate Meet & Greet for the municipal election.
Since incorporation, the guild as shifted structure to allow board members to focus more on what they’re passionate about, says Hyde, and in many ways, their work has become even more important.
“The politicization of trans and gender diverse individuals, as well as the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation about our community, has been felt by all members of the community,” said Hyde. “It can be a really scary and isolating time to live as a gender and sexual minority. But our board members are just as passionate, if not more so, about the work that we do.”
The guild is focused not only on having one celebration a year, but on being visible throughout the year, because “queer people don’t just exist in June,” said Hyde.
Looking forward, Hyde hopes to see the guild continue to grow and offer regular, consistent community and opportunities for Hatters to get together in safe, inclusive spaces.
“The increased politicization of our community comes with severe mental health risks, and we hope to be just a small part of letting them know it is ok to be who you are and how you are,” said Hyde.
