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Ottawa Dyke March
August 23 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ottawa Dyke March 2025: What to Expect
The Ottawa Dyke March is a grassroots, anti-capitalist, and community-led march centering 2SLGBTQIA+ dykes and dyke-adjacent folks, especially those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, trans, disabled, poor, mad, fat, sex workers, and survivors. This year’s theme is “Showing Up”, honouring the many ways our communities continue to show up for each other in the face of rising hate and ongoing injustice.
Join us on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Minto Park (Elgin & Gilmour) for a vibrant afternoon beginning with the march at 2PM, followed by a community gathering and arts market.
At the park, you can expect:
- A diverse array of local vendors, artists, and mutual aid groups
- Co-hosts Miss Patience Plus & Edith Puthie bringing humour, heart, and queer magic to the stage
- Speakers: Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
- Blue Petties, poet, organizer, and community advocate
- Latoya Nugent, Jamaican human rights defender and Black feminist
Performances by:
- N’nerjie, multidisciplinary artist and musician
- Omari B. Johnson – a key drag king figure on the Ottawa scene and has performed in Toronto and Calgary. Omari co-produces the Capital Kingdom drag king showcase, dedicated to uplifting BIPOC, queer, and MX performers. In 2023, he was crowned Mr. Capital Pride for his leadership and visibility in the community
- Mars Aspen, non-binary experimental pop performer A community altar space for reflection, memory, and joy
- DJ sets by DJ Avenue for dance breaks and gentle vibes all afternoon
We’ll be highlighting and uplifting local artists and organizers – keep an eye on our Instagram for updates: @ottawadykemarch Accessibility
We are working hard to make the Dyke March and Community Gathering as accessible as possible:
- Minto Park is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and flat terrain
- The event is outdoors with no strobe or flashing lights
- There will be low-sensory seating areas and we will be offering earplugs for folks who need them
- We encourage masking and will have free masks and hand sanitizer stations available
- Performances will include ASL interpretation where possible (updates to come on our socials)
- Food provided will have vegan and nut-free options, with ingredients clearly labeled Community Guidelines
This event is by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ dykes and dyke-adjacent people and their loved ones.
While everyone is welcome to attend respectfully, the space prioritizes queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and survivor communities.
The march and community gathering are all ages and we encourage families to attend!
We ask that attendees be mindful of creating a scent-reduced environment and to look out for each other.
