Our Vision
A visible and vibrant queer community on Salt Spring Island where 2SLGBTQIA+ community members across generations, intersections, and lived experiences feel belonging, pride, and meaningful connection in queer-centered inclusive spaces.
Our Mission
DAISSI fosters reliable and predictable opportunities for queer connection, shared experiences, and visible presence on Salt Spring Island, strengthening community across diverse interests while partnering strategically to expand access to queer-centered resources and advocacy through collaboration.
Salt Spring Island Pride Festival: Rooted in Community
July 16 to 19, 2026
We are back, but our intention is not to be bigger than ever. Rather, with our theme of “Salt Spring Island Pride: Rooted in Community,” we are aiming for just that: cultivating and highlighting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of Salt Spring and the surrounding area, and deepening our roots so we may we branch out more and stand taller with good foundations, and blossom into stronger, fruitful relationships with each other over the coming years.
We have a packed weekend planned, including:
Thursday July 16 at 7pm: Parade: Queer Acts of Love and Resistance film screening, co-presented by DAISSI and our host for the evening, the Salt Spring Island Public Library.
A bold and unflinching documentary that charts the rise of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ rights movement through powerful first-person testimony and rarely seen archival footage. The film is provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.
Friday July 17 4:30 to 6:30pm: Community Potluck at the United Church Meadow.
Start off the weekend with our kick off potluck in this beautiful meadow. Ease into Pride weekend with connection, food, and friends. Bring a dish of your choice, label it if possible. Tables and chairs provided. In case of foul weather, the event will be held in the lower hall. Event supported by the Salt Spring Island United Church Social Justice Committee.
→ Stay for the "Queer & Faithful Friday Night Cinema Series" hosted by and at the United Church at 6:30pm.
Saturday July 18 starting at 10:00am: Community Workshop Day at the Salt Spring Library.
A day of workshops and socials as an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as a community.
Workshop proposal form launching soon! The form will be available on our website and on the DAISSI Facebook Page.
Saturday July 18 8:00pm to 1:00am: The Rainbow Party at Fulford Hall: experience an unforgettable night of music, dance, performance, and celebration.
19+ Event | Cash & Cards Accepted | Licensed Bar | Valid ID Required
BUY TICKETS HERE!
The night kicks off with festival favourite DJ canis loopus. From there, Alma Be — drag artist, nightlife icon, and rising DJ — serves up irresistible blends of tech house, nu-disco, bass house, and pop remixes. Known for reading the room, Alma Be keeps the vibes high, the energy flowing, and the dance floor moving.
The headline performance is none other than Vivian Vanderpuss, fan favourite and Miss Congeniality from Canada’s Drag Race Season 3.
Throughout the night, you’ll be treated to a lineup of still-to-be performances, including Victoria’s own bearded theatre queen Woofie, sizzling go-go dancers, and additional acts that promise to delight, surprise, and keep the energy soaring well past midnight.
Sunday July 19 12 or 12:30pm, check back here for exact time: Parade and Street Party in Ganges. Yes, the parade will be on Sunday for the first time!
Parade muster location, start time, and Parade Registration Form will be announced shortly. The form will be available on our website and on the DAISSI Facebook Page.
A Sunday town takeover, starting with the Parade and ending with a Street Party hosted by Victoria's vintage vixen and camp queen Vivian Vanderpuss! Street Party features music by Kele Fleming and Matthew Presidente, drag performances, music, and more!
Vancouver-based artist Matthew Presidente blends piano-driven songwriting with dark electronic textures, cinematic synths, and visceral pop hooks. His live shows balance intimacy and pulse, creating something both cathartic and communal. Praised by Xtra Magazine as “one of the best singer/songwriters in our LGBT scene,” He’s been a standout on Pride stages across BC and Alberta.
Kele Fleming is the distinct love child of Linda Perhacs and Ani DiFranco. She’s 70’s psychedelic, feministic, intelligent- quoting Darwin and Foucault mid song. Kele’s dynamic vocals range from choir girl naivete to raging Sinead O'Connor. Profound lyrics that are like calls to action, angry at humanity’s sad state of affairs.
Together, Kele and Matthew are a powerhouse duo singing their hearts out for love and the betterment of our world. July 2026 will see them on the road together again on their ‘Golden Hour Tour.’
More details to come.
Volunteer!
DAISSI is a Community Driven Collective!
Things get done when community members step up and create together.
Volunteer with DAISSI!
DAISSI Update - April 2026
March 28, 2026 Strategic Plan and Committee Launch Lunch Event Report
Something Good Is Growing at DAISSI
Our volunteer gathering on Saturday, March 28, was a great success, by any measure.
From the beginning, there was a strong feeling in the room: warmth, curiosity, generosity, and a real sense that something meaningful is beginning to take shape. We spent time looking at DAISSI’s strategic direction and talking about what it means to build connection, support volunteer sustainability, and grow in ways that are thoughtful and grounded in community.
From there, things perked up. People leaned in, shared ideas, and explored possibilities. Soon enough, we were seeing the Events Committee and the Pride Committee take shape and imagining what community-building could look like in the months ahead.
At the same time, another group gathered around a different but equally important role: supporting the work as it unfolds. Out of that conversation, the DAISSI Chain was born, a flexible circle of volunteers who want to lend a hand, pitch in, and help bring ideas to life as opportunities arise.
The atmosphere throughout the day was lively and welcoming. Huge thanks to Naomi Singh at Omja for anchoring the day with an absolutely delicious meal, which added so much warmth to the gathering, and for being so flexible and supportive. We are already looking forward to enjoying more of their great food in the future.
We also want to thank the Salt Spring Seniors Centre for hosting us and for helping us troubleshoot our IT needs on the day. Their support made a real difference, and their space is such a valuable community asset.
And a special thank you to the DAISSI Board for all your work organizing this gathering. It was a pleasure to see that leadership in action and to take part in something that felt so relevant, welcoming, and grounded in what our community needs right now.
One of the nicest signs of the day’s success was that, by the end, people were making connections. New relationships were beginning, ideas were taking shape, and a shared sense of momentum emerged.
The gathering was a reminder that community-building needs all kinds of participation. Some people are drawn to shaping ideas, developing plans, and helping guide new initiatives. Others are drawn to lending support, offering practical help, and stepping in where a little people power is needed. Both matter. Both are needed. And on March 28, we saw something meaningful taking root.
All in all, it was a strong, energizing start, and we think everyone there would agree: it was a great success.
Committees Have Launched!
DAISSI has recently switched from having a Working Board to a Governance Board. That means that all of the planning for events and community care initiatives will come from the community members who join committees! This way the board can focus on more admin work such as following through on the WAGE Grant requirements and reporting, creating operations and governance documents, and being liaisons for the various committees.
The presentation from the Community Hall where this new structure was presented to the community in June 2025 can be viewed HERE