Inspired by Nature: Celebrating Our 2SLGBTQ+ Community

In early July, Head of Programs Robin McGeough led participants (and two fabulous drag queens) on a nature walk at our Pride-themed Have A Go Day. Robin taught us about the wonders of Queer Ecology: from banana slugs to albatrosses, and over 1,500 other species, nature is all about diversity, adaptability, and resilience—and that’s why we love it!

As we look back and recap the 2026 Pride season at Power To Be, we take inspiration from Queer Ecology, and the many species (ourselves included) that are made stronger by diversity. We cherish this diversity year round, but were thrilled to celebrate our 2SLGBTQ+ community in unison with our broader community over the month of July.

Our participants, volunteers, and staff shared many moments of Pride-filled connection, learning, and adventure. We crafted and socialized together, went canoeing, paddle boarding, dancing, and wandering in nature with drag queens, and of course, walked and rolled through the Victoria Pride Parade! It’s been a joy to celebrate Pride as a community, and to spread our message of inclusivity, that “Everyone Belongs in Nature!”

Nature’s Diversity: Reflections on Queer Ecology

by Robin McGeough (he/him), Head of Programs

“Queer ecology is a way of looking at nature that challenges the idea that there is only one ‘natural’ way to be. It invites us to see diversity, fluidity, relationships and resilience in human and more-than-human communities. In many ways, nature is described using binaries – male/female, natural/unnatural, human/nature. The magic of queer ecology lies in challenging the boxes and binaries to see the realistic complexity instead.  

Take the humble banana slugs for example. Not only are they the fastest slugs on the planet, but they are also hermaphroditic, which means they can change their sex depending on environmental and species factors—a reminder that biological diversity is an important part of species survival!

Or perhaps we can look to the skies for inspiration. Same-sex pair bonds have been documented in many bird species, including gulls, albatrosses, Canada geese, swans and penguins. These pairs perform the same rituals around courtship, cleaning, vocalizing, nest sharing and even parenting. Queer ecology is not about saying animals mimic human identities – it recognizes that diversity is an essential part of nature.  

I want to share one more example of queer ecology – the mushroom. Not only do certain mushroom species have up to 23,000 sexes, but they are also queer icons because of the ways they help ecosystems thrive through diversity, cooperation and resilience. Queer ecology is not only about sexuality or reproduction, but also about belonging, nourishment and community.”

Crafting with Pride: Queer Social

We kicked off Pride season in late June, with a crafty Pride Social for our Inclusive Adventures participants. While we set up 4 different tables with varying activities, the spirit of togetherness was strong—everyone wanted to be at the same table, doing the same thing together.

In our closing circle, we took turns sharing what made us feel connected to someone else that night. Folks loved collaborating on art & decorations, practicing waving for the Pride Parade, making new bracelet buddies, discovering shared experiences and building relationships, awesome volunteers, stickers, glitter, laughs, fun, and good vibes. We saw big smiles, and enthusiastic “thumbs up” in our closing circle too.

Everyone Belongs In Nature: Have A Go Day! (Pride Edition)

On July 4, 2026, we hosted our first ever Pride-themed Have A Go Day, with extra help from local legends Vivian Vanderpuss and Honey Dewme! As is tradition, we opened our doors to anyone and everyone, and we had an incredible turnout, with many people visiting Power To Be for the very first time.

With sensible shoes and PFDs, our drag queen hosts joined participants in a paddle around Prospect Lake, and shared their knowledge of local flora and fauna alongside Program Lead Robin McGeough in our Queer Ecology interpretive wander.

Not to be outdone by the beautiful weather, the queens shone bright and warmed our hearts with an eclectic mix of lip-syncs, dancing and banter. We were also joined by the incredible Gender Generations Project for some fun and colourful crafting, Blue Jellyfish SUP for some paddleboarding, and our friends Flora and Taylor, who led an all-abilities dance session!

This Have A Go Day was filled with beautiful moments of connection, expression, and togetherness. One participant shared, “I’m so glad I came today. This program really let me celebrate my whole self – queer and disabled.”

The power of nature was on full display, bringing an atmosphere of acceptance, belonging, and wholeness to this wonderful community.

Walking and Rolling with Pride: The Victoria Pride Parade!

Our Pride celebrations continued on July 12th, when we had the pleasure of attending our second Victoria Pride Parade. A loud and proud group of 30 staff, participants, family, and friends walked and rolled through the parade as it meandered through the downtown core.

We decked out our Power To Be bus in colourful decorations, waved our Pride flags, and held up signs—all created by participants at our Pride Social.

We were left awe-struck and misty-eyed to see the thousands of people lining the streets, cheering, waving, and shouting “Happy Pride!” It was amazing to see so many other organizations and groups bursting with energy, drawing attention to how many folks in Victoria are active in their allyship and in celebrating their identities.

We could feel the love our city has for our queer and trans community, and we were honoured to be a part of such an unforgettable day.

Pride Every Day: An Ongoing Celebration

Nature shows us there is not one ‘right’ way to exist. Diversity is a strength and queer ecology invites us to celebrate that diversity – whether that’s in an ecosystem, a community, or within ourselves.

This Pride season has given us so much to be grateful for, and we can’t wait for next year’s celebrations and events. Luckily, we can celebrate Pride every day. And we intend to! Big plans are underway to continue our Queer and Trans supportive programs year-round, bringing inclusive outdoor experiences to even more people. In nature, everyone belongs, exactly the way they are.