Pride month is here and couldn’t have come a moment too soon. While the LGBTQ+ community is facing some of its biggest challenges in years, Pride is and will continue to be a time of reflection, revolution and renewal. Pride events are happening in every state across the country and here are a few that we wanted to highlight. Not every Pride event has to be a big parade or festival. Check out the queer quinceanera in Mississippi or ride for Pride in Portland. There’s something for everyone.
June 2
Pride Ride PDX (Portland, Oregon)
Visit Downtown Portland Campaign, Black Business Association of Oregon and The Street Trust have teamed up for the second annual Pride Ride. This year’s ride will commemorate the late drag icon Darcelle XV, Pride month and World Bicycle Day. Hosted by Poison Waters, the two-mile ride will take participants through key LGBTQ+ spots in Portland, including Doc Marie Equi’s house and Pride Plaza. Along the way, there will be dance party mini-stops and Portland’s famous food trucks to grab snacks. The event is free and for all ages.
Capital Pride Womxn’s Kickoff Party presented by Ladies of LURe, Tagg Magazine, and A League of Her Own (Washington, DC)
A free event is for everyone under the rainbow! Dance the night away with DJ Juba and enjoy a performance by Pretty Boi Drag. A portion of the bar sales will benefit DC Black Pride. This event is for 18+.
June 3
Dallas Pride (Dallas, Texas)
This Pride event is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a parade and festival this weekend. Dallas Voice is one of the sponsors of this event, which includes musical performances including headliner Allison Ponthier. There will also be an area at the event for families to gather with games and entertainment for all.
June 4
Philadelphia Gay News Pride Brunch (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Join the PGN crew, along with Governor Josh Shapiro and honorees Carson Kressley, David Fair, Estelle Richman and Galaei at this delightful afternoon of brunch and community.
June 10
4th Annual Pride on the Pier presented by Washington Blade, LURe and The Wharf (Washington, D.C.)
Enjoy DJs, dancing and fireworks at this festive annual Pride event on the Southwest waterfront. All ages are welcome. Admission is free but you can score VIP passes to hang in the air-conditioned lounge with catering and open bar, plus a front-row seat for the show.
The Black Trans Comedy Showcase: a PRIDE Fundraiser for Lavender Rights Project (Seattle, WA)
Help fundraise for Black trans liberation while enjoying the comedy stylings of Mx. Dahlia Belle, KJ Whitehead and more at this event hosted by TV personalist and trans activist T.S. Madison. Proceeds from the event will go to the Lavender Rights Project, a nonprofit organization that “elevates the power, autonomy, and leadership of the Black intersex & gender diverse community through intersectional legal and social services.”
June 16
Drag Me to the St. Francis (San Fransisco, California)
Hosted by Willam and Lady Bunny, this dragstravaganza will feature some of the Bay’s favorite drag performers at The Westin St. Francis. All proceeds from the event will go to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, which is celebrating its 45th season this year.
Tickets start at $50 for standing room and go up to $125 for VIP meet and greets.
Candlelight Pride: Celebrating queer musical icons (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
The Cary Saurage Community Arts Center and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra will host this candle-lit ode to queer icons like Elton John, Chopin, Frank Ocean and Stephen Sondheim, performed by members of the Baton Rouge String Quartet.
June 19
WorkPride: Empowering the LGBTQ+ Business Community (Worldwide)
This five-day virtual event kicks off June 19 and offers 50 panels for “professionals, graduates, inclusive employers, and anyone who believes in workplace equality.” Some topics include “How to Support Your LGBTQ+ Employees Across All Office Locations” and “How to Be a Trans Ally.” Registration is free and is done by individual events.
June 24
2nd Annual Queerceañera (Jackson, Mississippi)
Hosted by The Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity, this event is listed as Mississippi’s only Latinx Pride event. The party is “a queer and trans twist on the traditional quinceañera” and will feature food, dancing, music and “some deep south jotería!”
Back Lot Bash (Chicago, Illinois)
Chicago’s famous Back Lot Bash is a full day of music and dancing during Pride weekend. This year’s fest features headliner Lauren Sanderson and performances by Do Not Disturb, Lyons & Co., Jade The Ive, Beyond The Blonde, The PriSSillas and a set by DJ Mary Mac. This is a 21+ event.
Want News is Out to know about your Pride event? Let us know at newsiout@localmedia.org.