It wasn’t exactly World Series baseball, but hundreds of people still gathered in Victoria West Park on Sunday, to cheer on the kings and queens in the 22nd Annual Memorial Dragball Game.
Queens in contour and heels, and mustachoied kings hit the field after the crowd joined the players for a rendition of O Canada, on the national holiday.
The Victoria Pride Society event opened as Mayor Lisa Helps – playing for the kings with a fake moustache – threw the first pitch, after reading the official proclamation of Pride Week in Victoria (July 1-8).
Back for her second year of drag ball action, Vivian Vanderpuss called the game a good mix of fun and exposure for the LGBTQ community.
“I think it’s just great to be visible because people can’t always see drag shows – a lot of venues aren’t all ages,” she said.
“I just love being visible to the youth because I know if I saw this growing up in a super small town in Southern Ontario, I probably would have flourished earlier or felt more comfortable in my own skin,” she added.
Power duo Duke and Jett, held it down for the kings with a solid hit and a snag at short stop that gave them an early lead.
“This event is about community, and support for our community,” said Jett, adding it was great to see so many people of all ages out celebrating diversity.
Pride Ball rolls on as the kings battle the queens at #Victoria West Park #LGBTQ #HappyPride ðŸ³ï¸â€ðŸŒˆâš¾ï¸ðŸ³ï¸â€ðŸŒˆ pic.twitter.com/4IEKdyGs4o
— Victoria News (@VictoriaNews) July 1, 2018
With a final score of 14-14, Duke said it just goes to show it’s not about who wins or loses. “Obviously it’s not competitive,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just a good, fun time.”
Visit Victoria Pride Society online for a complete list of pride events happening in and around Victoria this week.
The 25th Annual Victoria Pride Parade leaves the corner of Pandora and Government at 11 a.m. winding its way to MacDonald park where the Pride Festival runs until 6 p.m.
