Creating community on the dance floor

Heads up! MasQueerade: A Queer Community Dance is coming to Halifax on July 10 and it's going to be a night to remember.

The event aims to showcase the incredible vibrancy of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in HRM and beyond and bring us all together for a night of jovial celebration.

Jordan Parker (he/him), fund development co-ordinator for the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia (ACNS), says the event is a way for ACNS to showcase their plans for a broader 2SLGBTQIA+ health agenda.

“We want to invite folx to be part of the community consultation process, set to happen in the fall.”

This event is first and foremost designed as a visibility event for ACNS and its primary focus is to enjoy a night of flight and fancy for attendees.

“In short, we want to give people the space and the means to have a fantastic time. Anything we raise above funds to cover the costs of putting on the event will go toward the programming of services and other events for ACNS and its stakeholders,” says Parker.

This is a 19+ event that will be wheelchair accessible, have gender-neutral washrooms and feature a sober lounge for those who do not consume alcohol.

Parker says, “The dance floor will feature incredible lighting and the stylings of DJs Fadzwa and Tranzishen will spotlight a wonderful evening. We will also have tables for folks to sit at and feature drag performances by our fabulous cohostesses Cynthia Stilts and Elle Noir.”

MasQueerade is a safe-space event where folks can let loose and feel comfortable in their skin. “We want folks of all ages, identities, BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks to feel empowered to make the night their own and find joy in the space.

“Wear whatever makes you comfortable - if that's a scantily-clad outfit or a gown, be free to be who you are at our event. ACNS's values are built on supporting our community in a sex-positive, open and diverse way. We want to ensure everyone who attends neither feels constricted financially nor feels tied to having to wear a costume or certain outfit. We want you there in whatever form that takes. Come have a great time, groove to your favourite tunes, see old friends, and hopefully meet some new ones.”

With only one queer bar east of Montreal, Halifax members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community have come together to create spaces at local businesses and other forums, but these are not a forever solution. Events like MasQueerade help bring visibility to queer organizations, raise awareness about issues in our area, and most of all, give people spaces and events they can take ownership of, even if just for a night.

“We want to continue to do events like these, and should this one be a success, we can work within the community and with others to give our 2SLGBTQIA+ community the spaces they need,” says Parker.

The event occurs at the McInnes Room at 6136 University Ave. on Saturday, July 9, starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at eventbrite.ca.