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Dyke March Background Info
General March Info
Vancouver Dyke March Specific Info
General Information
DYKE MARCH BACKGROUND INFO:
Q. What are Dyke Marches?
A. This is Vancouver's third year having a Dyke March. San Francisco
continues to have the largest and longest running Dyke March in the world.
Dyke Marches happen all over the place - San Francisco, Toronto, Los
Angeles, Chicago, Stockholm (SE), and Ottawa (also its first year) to name a
few. The idea behind a Dyke March is to create a space for dykes and their
friends to celebrate dyke pride.
Q. Why call it a "Dyke March" if everyone is welcome?
A. Our primary goal is to have an event for women who love women, but also include their friends and supporters.
Q. Why have a Dyke March at all?
A. We wanted to accomplish two goals for Pride 2006: raise female
visibility, and bring Pride celebrations to the Vancouver Eastside. The
better question would be, why *not* have a Dyke March?
Q. Have their been past Vancouver dyke marches?
A. As far as we know, there have been previous marches organized along Commercial Drive during past International Lesbian Week festivities (in the 80s and early 90s). However, we have not been able to glean any specific information regarding these marches. If you would like to share some insight, please let us know! This is the third year (of hopefully many more to come) that the task of formally organizing a Vancouver Dyke March has happened since the early 90s.
Q. Why are you calling yourselves the "first annual" Vancouver Dyke March when there have been marches/parades before?
A. While various styles of marches and parades have taken place during the 80s and early 90s, this is the first dyke march to follow the mandate of other dyke marches across the world by having it take place during Pride festivities. The philosophy of this event is also unique. It is a permitted event and involves a large outdoor festival.
GENERAL MARCH INFO:
Q. Do I need to register to join the march?
A. No, just show up!
Q. Is it like a parade?
A. It's nothing like a parade. It's a march - that means we march (a.k.a.
walk) from one location to another. No 'floats' are permitted - that's what
the Pride Parade is for!
Q. Can I bring a banner or sign?
A. Please do! If you're bringing a banner for your organization, please make
sure you can manage it around parked cars.
Q. Can I bring my (insert whatever here)?
A. Bring everyone! We want to be an everyone-inclusive-fun-day-in-the-sun
event. If you're bringing a friend of the four-legged variety, please ensure
that they are on a leash.
VANCOUVER DYKE MARCH SPECIFIC INFO:
Q. When does the march actually begin?
A. We'll leave McSpadden Park at 12:00pm. However, if you do decide to come
early, there will be things for you to do/see/play with.
Q. What happens after the march is over? Is that it?
A. Heck no! We've got a live concert music festival planned for you at
Grandview Park. Come out and watch some local performers! The lineup is a
secret (for now).
Q. What is the march route?
A. The march will leave McSpadden Park and go west two blocks
down 5th Street, then north on Commercial to Grandview Park.
Q. Can my organization have a booth at the festival site?
A. We are not allowing for space for booths at the festival site. The only booths that will be present will be for Vancouver Dyke March specific information, a performers table, and
first aid. This is something we will consider again next year. If this is
something that would interest you, email and let us know at info@vancouverdykemarch.com.
Q. Do you need volunteers? How can I volunteer to help out?
A. We need volunteers for everything. Check out the Volunteer section for
more information.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Q. Where does funding for this event come from?
A. Mainly from fundraisers either we organize, or other community groups organize. 2006 was the first year that we received a festival grant from the City of Vancouver. During our first year we received many kind donations from community
members. For more information regarding our past fundraisers, visit our Fundraising Events section.
Q. Is the Vancouver Dyke March a permitted event?
A. Yes, we have obtained permits from the City of Vancouver to hold this
event.
Q. Is the Vancouver Dyke March put on by the Vancouver Pride Society?
A. No, the Vancouver Pride Society is not organizing or funding the Dyke
March. The Vancouver Dyke March group and the Vancouver Pride Society are
two separate entities, although we have been given VPS' blessing and do keep
in contact with the VPS.
Q. How can I support the efforts of the Vancouver Dyke March?
A. Come out to a fundraising event! Or please considering giving a donation.
Every little bit helps more than you know.
If you still have questions regarding the Vancouver Dyke March, please email info@vancouverdykemarch.com.
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