Quaint, Quirky, and Queer Festival!

The Cause

Quaint, Quirky, and Queer Festival: A Celebration of Inclusion, Diversity, Community, Legacy, and Spectacle.

The Quaint, Quirky, and Queer (QQQ) Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that brings together an array of talented performers from the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and their allies. This annual event, 10 years strong, is a testament to the power of unity, diversity, and creativity. With its rich history and commitment to promoting inclusion, community, legacy, and spectacle, the festival stands as a beacon of acceptance and pride for all.

The QQQ Festival proudly showcases an eclectic mix of talents and art forms, representing a spectrum of identities and backgrounds. From drag queens and kings, to musicians, dancers, poets, and visual artists, the festival's lineup reflects the vast tapestry of queer culture. The festival is not just a showcase of talent; it's a gathering of like-minded individuals who come together to celebrate their shared experiences. It fosters a sense of belonging and unity among LGBTQ2SIA+ people and their allies. Attendees often describe the festival as a place where they can be their true selves without fear of judgment. It's a space where friendships are forged, and a supportive community is built.

The QQQ Festival (formerly the Pretty, Witty, and Gay Festival) has a storied history that stretches back the past 10 years. It has evolved over time, adapting to the changing social and political landscape. The festival, growing each year, is a reminder of the struggles and victories of the past and an inspiration for future generations to continue the fight for equality and acceptance.

Features and Highlights:

Main Stage Performances: The festival's main stage hosts a lineup of Southern Alberta performers, featuring drag shows, comedy/improv, live music, dance performances, and more.

Workshops and Panels: Educational sessions and panels are held to promote understanding and dialogue on LGBTQ2SIA+ issues.

Play Readings and New Play Development: Each season the festival also workshops and develops a new play that is read before an audience. Several of Theatre Outre’s world premieres have begun as projects developed during QQQ such as Like Orpheus (2018), Tab & Landon (2017), and How To Leave (2016).

The QQQ Festival is more than just an event; it's a testament to the resilience, creativity, and vibrancy of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. It also provides an outlet for authentic queer expression in Southern Alberta.

Who Will it Benefit?

1.LGBTQ2SIA+ Individuals:
First and foremost, the festival benefits LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals themselves. It provides a safe, and affirming space where they can express their identities freely and without fear of discrimination or prejudice. The festival fosters a sense of pride, self-acceptance, self-expression and belonging, empowering individuals to embrace their authentic selves.

2. Allies and Supporters:
The festival also benefits allies and supporters of the community. It offers them an opportunity to deepen their understanding of LGBTQ2SIA+ issues, challenges, and experiences. This increased awareness can lead to more empathetic and informed allies who are better equipped to advocate for LGBTQ2SIA+ rights and inclusion in their own communities.

3. Families and Friends:
The festival benefits the families and friends of LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals by promoting acceptance and understanding. It often serves as a platform for open conversations about identities and experiences, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and fostering healthy relationships between LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals and their loved ones.

4. LGBTQ2SIA+ Youth:
Young people who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation can greatly benefit from seeing diverse role models and experiencing the festival's supportive atmosphere. The event provides positive queer expression that can inspire and empower LGBTQ2SIA+ youth, reassuring them that there is a vibrant and accepting community ready to embrace them.

5. Artists and Performers:
The festival serves as a platform for LGBTQ2SIA+ artists and performers to showcase their talents and gain recognition. There are not many spaces in Lethbridge for queer performers to share their work, our festival offers artists exposure to a diverse and enthusiastic audience, which can lead to new opportunities and connections within broader arts communities.

6. Social Change and Awareness:
The festival contributes to a societal benefit by raising awareness about LGBTQ2SIA+ issues and promoting social change. It challenges stereotypes and prejudices, fostering a more accepting and equitable society for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

7. Long-Term Cultural Impact:
Over time, the Quaint, Quirky, and Queer Festival can contribute to lasting cultural change. By celebrating LGBTQ2SIA+ culture and values in a public and visible way, it helps to normalize LGBTQ2SIA+ identities and experiences, reducing stigma and discrimination.