*Organized and submitted by Unicome & #SaveChinatownYVR*
When: Sunday, September 17 from 2:30 to 5:00pm
Where: Chinatown Memorial Plaza next to 105 Keefer
Cost: Free!
When you first arrived in Vancouver, have you ever heard of stereotypical remarks regarding Chinatown — “Unsafe,” “Avoid it, especially after evening,” “Dirty,” or “Lots of drug users”? Living in other cities in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau, have you noticed the demolition of historical buildings and the subsequent displacement of communities under the name of “urban redevelopment” or “safety concern”, just as what is happening to Chinatown? Have you witnessed the gradual erosion of your own language by the dominant cultural value, be it Cantonese or Uyghur…?
UniCome, a grassroots Chinese Queer Feminist collective, is excited to announce our upcoming community event, “Give the Mic Back to Chinatown,” in solidarity with #SaveChinatownYVR. Join us on September 17th from 2 to 5 PM for an engaging program that features stand-up comedy performances in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, an open mic session, and karaoke. Your generous donations will directly support SaveChinatownYVR and help us cover event expenses.
Join us at 2:00pm for snacks and drinks. Our event starts at 2:30pm sharp! This is an outdoor event with limited seating, FIRST COME FIRST SERVED. Please bring your own chair or one for someone else if you can.
We encourage you to sign up for the open mic session on the day of the event. Share your unique stories, whether they are about immigration experiences, reflections on racism, gentrification, or delve into topics related to the meaning of “home,” cultural appropriation, language justice, and beyond. We welcome all forms of expression: poem, storytelling, singing, jokes, or sharing of ongoing thoughts…
Regardless of your familiarity with Vancouver’s Chinatown, let’s dismantle the stereotypes, connect with real individuals and their experiences, and reflect on the relationships between international students, new immigrants, different generations of the Chinese diaspora, and Chinatown itself. Perhaps one day, you’ll join us in supporting communities affected by gentrification in Chinatown and their resistance.
What will happen at the event:
2:00pm check in, snacks, drinks & a small game
2:30pm opening & stand-up comedy shows
3:30-5:00pm open mic & karaoke
UniCome is a Chinese queer feminist community based in Vancouver. We aim to create a space that is queer, womxn, and feminists centered, and a space that is anti-censorship and inclusive to marginalized communities, through co-creating and performing stand-up comedies, and other forms of expression. Here, we freely express “unconventional opinions”. We see, and support each other. We use wisdom and humor to overcome fear, prejudice, and violence. Follow UniCome on IG @unicome.vancouver for more events and info.
SaveChinatownYVR is a community-led movement dedicated to conserving Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. Our goal is to fight gentrification that threatens the neighborhood’s culture, history, and people. We’re hosting a series of public cultural events to reclaim space at the Chinatown Memorial Plaza and to protest Beedie’s gentrifier development 105 Keefer. Learn more at savechinatownyvr.org.
Things to bring:
- Comfortable shoes and attire
- Water to stay hydrated
- A chair if you want a seat (Seating will be limited and prioritized for seniors and those who need it)
COVID Safety Information
For the health and safety of all our community members (especially seniors, disabled and immunocompromised folks), we highly encourage you to wear a face mask (preferably KN95, KF94 or N95).
Accessibility Information
Chairs: Bring your own chair and another for someone else. Seating is limited and will be prioritized for seniors.
Transit: Chinatown is accessible by transit via skytrain. The closest skytrain station is Stadium-Chinatown.
Parking: The Chinatown Plaza Mall has a parkade right next to the Memorial Plaza.
Water: Please bring your own water to keep hydrated.
Bathrooms: There are gendered bathrooms at the Chinatown Plaza mall across from the Chinatown Memorial Plaza as well as at International Village (Tinseltown) Mall.
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