Coming Out Monologues
Presented by: Canmore Pride Society and artsPlace
Schedule:
6:30 PM - Doors Open
7 PM - Intros from Canmore Pride
7 PM - 8 PM - Sharing stories
8:15 PM - 8:30 PM: Break
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM*: Sharing Stories
*Schedule correction: please note, the printed schedules say this event ends at 10 PM, but the event is scheduled to end at 9:30 PM.
Join us for an evening of truth-telling, courage, and connection at Coming Out Monologues—a open-mic style space where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals share personal stories of coming out, coming in, and everything in between. Whether raw, funny, heart-wrenching, or joyful, these monologues offer glimpses into the lived experiences of queer and trans folks in our community.
Who is this event for?
This event is open to everyone—whether you’re a seasoned storyteller, quietly navigating your own identity, or simply showing up in solidarity. If you identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, you're welcome to share your story.
This event is open to people ages 16+ and is centred around the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Allies are welcome to accompany their 2SLGBTQIA+ friends at this event.
Content Note:
This event includes personal stories about gender, identity, and coming out. Some monologues may touch on sensitive topics such as transphobia, homophobia, family rejection, or other difficult experiences. We aim to create a supportive and affirming space—please take care of yourself however you need.
Sensory-friendly room: If you need to decompress during the event, artsPlace has set aside the Visual Arts Studio (the room to the left of the theatre). We’ll have it set up as a cozy space with some seating, pillows, and fidget toys. You’re welcome to the space at any time if you need a quieter space to rest.
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Want to share your story?
We welcome storytellers of all backgrounds and experiences. The format of the monologues is open-ended—maybe it's a short-story or poem. Monologues can be spoken, written, performed, or read anonymously by a volunteer reader. We are aiming for each story to be about 5 minutes max each (so everyone gets a turn).
Some prompts to get you started:
What was your first (or most memorable) coming out experience?
What’s your gayest core memory?
When did you realize you weren’t exactly... straight? Or cis? Or binary? Or all of the above?
What’s the weirdest or most iconic way you first questioned your identity?
Ever come out by accident? Tell us how that chaos unfolded.
Who’s your unexpected ally? (Mom? Coach? Librarian with the rainbow pin?)
What’s something that made you feel euphoric in your identity? (Gender euphoria counts too!)
What was your “ohhhh” moment when you realized you were trans? (The haircut? The Tumblr deep dive? Crying over someone else’s top surgery results?)
What’s the weirdest or funniest way you tried to “be cis” before figuring it out?
Who was your first crush? Or first queer relationship?
How to submit your story:
Similar to an open-mic, we’ll have a sign-up sheet at the event where you can sign up to participate as a performer. We’ll ask you to write your name, pronouns, and a short into (1-2 sentences to describe yourself…feel free to be silly).
If you do not want to perform but still want to share your story, you can submit your story prior to the event online here and a volunteer at the event can read it out loud at the event.
Please note, we will try to get through everyone’s stories, but we might not be able to get to everyone if there are a lot of sign-ups.
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Tickets:
Please RSVP via the artsPlace website to attend the event. Limited spots may be available at the door. Donations (cash or card) will be taken at the door and will go towards Canmore Pride Society and artsPlace.
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Food/Drinks: Snacks (popcorn, chocolate bars, candy, etc.) and drinks (sodas, beer, wine, etc.) will be available for purchase from the artsPlace concession stand inside of the venue. Cash and card payment will be accepted.
What to Wear: Please wear whatever is most comfortable to you.
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Accessibility:
There is a gender-neutral washroom available.
The venue is wheelchair accessible including a wheelchair accessible washroom, automatic door buttons, and a ramp to the front entrance.
There will be loud noise. Please bring your own ear plugs if needed.
There will be bright lights.
This event will be taking place in the artsPlace theatre, which will be set up in Cabaret style (small tables + chairs).
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Getting here:
There is a paid parking lot in front of artsPlace including accessible parking spots. We also encourage you to walk/bike/bus/roll to the venue if possible.
Safe Ride Home:
Three Sister’s Taxi is donating free taxi rides within Canmore (including Three Sisters area) to help people get to and from Canmore Pride festival events safely. Please ask a volunteer at the festival for a voucher, which must be presented to the driver at the start of your ride. (Rides are subject to availability).
Roam Transit has donated one-way bus passes to help attendees get between Banff and Canmore. Please talk to a volunteer at the festival to get a free pass (can be used on the Canmore-Banff Regional Route 3).
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Contact:
If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact the Canmore Pride team directly via email at community@canmorepride.ca!
Please note, due to the volume of emails, we suggest that you get in touch with us a minimum of 48 hours prior to the event so we have time to respond to your inquiries.