Gay concert band turns 20

Vancouver's Rainbow Concert Band Canada's first

The gay band geek may be a marginal figure in the social hierarchy of some high schools, but after graduation many of these queer musicians become valued members of our community, instruments and all.
On Nov 28, Vancouver’s Rainbow Concert Band will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special performance at the WISE Hall and a raucous Bohemian Rhapsody sing-along.

Established for the 1990 Gay Games in Vancouver, Canada’s first gay concert band is still going strong despite losing members, switching conductors and having to move its practice space from the West End to the Oakridge Seniors’ Centre.
Watch the musicians rehearse for the concert and recount the hardships and the triumphs of keeping the band together for two decades.

Keep Reading

Mia Starr with an up arrow behind her; Vita Vontesse Star with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 power ranking: The first heat

We’re at the intermission of the talent show—how did the first six queens fare?
Juicy Love Dion lying down with her mouth open

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 5 recap: Survival of the draggiest

Rate-a-Queen returns, and brings with it some strong attempts at strategic gameplay
Several roller derby players cheering while seated

‘Rising Through the Fray’ shows roller derby has no borders

Courtney Montour’s documentary follows a revolutionary Indigenous derby team—in all its beauty and power
Ciara Myst with an up arrow behind her; Briar Blush with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 4 power ranking: In fashion, you’re either in or you’re out

The show basically hands us a power ranking this week, but there’s still much to discuss