Free Pride Storytelling Event at Gateway Theatre
Gateway Theatre invites the community to True Voices: Pride Storytelling & Tea, a free evening of personal storytelling featuring local LGBTQ2S+ voices in celebration of Richmond Pride week.
Free Pride Storytelling Event at Gateway Theatre
- Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 7:00pm
- Location: Gateway Theatre (Second Floor Lobby, 6500 Gilbert Rd, Richmond)
- Admission: Free but reserve your spot online in advance. Guests may reserve up to two tickets per order. Gateway Theatre also encourages attendees to consider donating to help keep community events like True Voices accessible and free.
Now in its third year, True Voices returns after welcoming a full house in 2025, continuing to create space for authentic storytelling and connection within Richmond’s LGBTQ2S+ community.
The event features stories from a mix of local artists, writers, and community members, each bringing a unique perspective and personal journey to the evening. These heartfelt narratives reflect the strength and courage it takes to live authentically and share one’s truth in a world that can often be challenging. From coming-out experiences and navigating family relationships, to the joys and challenges of finding love, acceptance, and belonging, each story offers an opportunity for audiences to connect and celebrate the diverse voices within the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Following the performance, audiences are invited to stay for tea and a question-and-answer session with the storytellers. New this year, each storyteller will share a meaningful personal artifact connected to their journey, offering a special glimpse into the memories and experiences that have shaped their lives.
“It takes courage and vulnerability to share your personal story, and we are deeply grateful to the storytellers who choose to open their hearts and share their journeys with our community,” said Barbara Tomasic, Executive Artistic Director. “These stories have the power to bring people together, and we know audiences will find this evening memorable and inspiring.”
Participants/Voices
- Yanting Qiu, Storytelling Facilitator, Curator & Host
- Joyce Love, Active Listener
- Marylee Stephenson, Storyteller
- Irene Hwang, Storyteller
- Oliver Isbister, Storyteller
- Esmé Demers, Storyteller
- Deb Williams, Storytelling Consultant
- Jeff Rotin, Storyteller
- Peter Riddell, Storyteller
More than a performance, True Voices honours the resilience and contributions of the LGBTQ2S+ community while celebrating the progress made toward greater inclusion and belonging. It is an opportunity for audiences to connect, reflect and help foster a more welcoming community for all.
Follow Gateway Theatre on Facebook for more info.
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