Advertisement
📢 NANAIMO STANDS TOGETHER: Empathy Over ExploitationNanaimo is a city built on community, respect, and the hard-won progress of reconciliation. We refuse to let those values be auctioned off as the Port Theatre is slated to host an “entertainer” named Ben Bankas on March 21. His content targets marginalized individuals, in particular Indigenous people, women, trans people, and neurodivergent individuals. To date, the Port Theatre has not canceled the show, despite the fact that this performance has been cancelled in numerous cities across Canada.
On Saturday, March 21st at 6:30 PM, we are calling on all concerned residents to join us for a Peaceful Civic Mobilization at the Port Theatre. This is not just a community gathering; it is a collective stand for the dignity of our most marginalized.
✊ It’s About Platform, Not Censorship
Let’s be clear: this is not about silencing speech. It is about the stewardship of our public, taxpayer-funded spaces. We are gathering because we believe that bigotry is not a punchline and should never be given a taxpayer-funded stage. When comedy targets residential school survivors, the 2SLGBTQ+ community, minorities and those living with disabilities, it isn't "edge"—it's exploitation.
🥁 Bring Your Spirit, Your Voice and Your Flags!!!
This is a peaceful gathering of concerned voices. We want to see a sea of community support. We invite you to bring:
*Flags of Solidarity: Bring your Pride flags, Every Child Matters flags, and the banners of the organizations that keep Nanaimo strong. Let the visuals reflect our diversity.
*Drums and Songs: Let the heartbeat of our community drown out the noise of division.
*Prayers and Intentions: For the healing of those targeted by this rhetoric.
*Your Presence: Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your neighbours to show that Nanaimo stands for empathy.
📞 TAKE ACTION NOW: Call the Port Theatre
Change happens when we speak up together. Before the 21st, we are asking everyone to call the Port Theatre management and ask the tough questions they have yet to answer. Please be RESPECTFUL and POLITE during these conversations.
*Phone Numbers:
250-754-8550 and 250-754-4555
A Few suggested Questions for Representatives:
*Why has there been no official statement? Other cities across Canada (like Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay) have taken a stand. Why hasn't the Port Theatre addressed the community’s pain?
*Why won't the Theatre pay the cancellation fee? If other venues can prioritize community safety over a contract fee to move this show to a private venue, why can’t we?
*Are you prepared for a staff walk-out? Is the Theatre aware of the internal unrest and the potential for staff to stand in solidarity with the community on March 21st?
🔗 SHARE BROAD AND WIDE
This is a collective effort. We need every voice. Please Share this post, Invite your friends to this event, and let’s ensure that when March 21st arrives, the message is unmistakable!!!!!!!!
NANAIMO STANDS FOR EMPATHY, NOT EXPLOITATION.
#NanaimoStandsTogether #EmpathyNotExploitation #PortTheatre #StandWithTheMarginalized
Advertisement
Event Venue
The Port Theatre, 125 Front St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6Z4, Canada
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
