Why this well-known Canadian singer is performing at a rural northern Ontario Pride event

A small northern Ontario town is hosting a Pride event this weekend, featuring a well-known Canadian singer.

Beth Torbet, known as Bif Naked, will perform at the Pride in the Woods festival in the community of Lavigne, in West Nipissing, Ont.

Organizers of the event say it's important to have pride events in rural areas of the province.

"Not all members of the 2SLBTQ+ community live in cities," organizers of the event posted on their website.

"Pride in the Woods is, and always will be an inclusive event."

The event kicked off on Thursday with a flag raising ceremony, embroidery classes and a campfire.

On Saturday, Bif Naked will do an acoustic set to celebrate her latest album Champion. It's been 15 years since the artist released a new album.

"I'm sure every artist says their album is a labour of love but it's more a labour of hardship," Naked said.

She said the original plan was to release the album in 2020, when the first single, Jim, came out.

"But of course, 2020 became very crazy with a pandemic," she said.

"So we waited and waited and waited. And finally, here we are four years later, it really does feel like a victory. Champion really does feel like a triumphant record release."

'Really special'

Naked is no stranger to northern Ontario, as she performed at the North Bay Pride Week in September 2023.

She said she loves performing in small towns, especially at Pride events.

"I think it's so important, especially in these smaller communities, to come and celebrate all facets of our communities," she said.

"I think that it is important to lend my voice. I was that young girl who didn't feel any representation in the small Manitoba towns where I was raised. To have that celebrated and to feel just not included, but to kind of feel like I could relate to other people who were equally weird as I felt. I just think it's really special."

Naked will perform Saturday night. Other events at Pride in the Woods include an outdoor dance party, rock painting and a Drag Show.

9:33Bif Naked releases Champion, plans to celebrate in West Nipissing

Bif Naked is coming back to Northern Ontario. On the heels of her first new album in 15 years, the iconic Canadian singer is performing at West Nipissing's Pride in the Woods.