The origins of gay pride here in the United States date back to the Stonewall raid on June 28, 1969. On this day, police in New York City staged a raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village neighborhood. A year later, as reported by NBC News, the first gay pride march occurred.
Originally titled the Stonewall Riots, it’s credited for the modern-day LGBT+ rights movement. Gay Pride, like the parade, is a celebration of the impact that LGBT+ individuals have on the fight for equal rights across the country. Today, as inequality still exists, celebrations like the parade and Pride month are an impactful reminder of the transgressions that befell many of our brothers and sisters. The fight continues as many states still allow termination of employees based on sexual orientation and gender. As a community, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with the pioneers of the equality rights movement and never forget the history that followed. It’s the responsibility of all of us to take action for our rights. While many Pride festivals take place in June, there are many that happen later in the year. From fun in Charlotte, North Carolina; a peachy good time in Atlanta, Georgia; and soaking up the sun
in Palm Springs, Fall 2019 is packed full of fun! So, plan accordingly and have a blast at these pride events. All events are listed in order by date.
SEPTEMBER 9: BORO PRIDE
For a pride festival with small-town flair, check out “Boro Pride” in Murfreesboro’s downtown square from 5-10 p.m. Visit the Boro Pride Facebook page, facebook.com/boropridetn, for more information.
SEPTEMBER 28: MID-SOUTH PRIDE
Just a short drive West on I-40 to Memphis will take you to the 16th Annual Mid-South Pride held at Robert Church Park on 4th and Beale St. Go tour Graceland, eat BBQ and make some noise in Memphis. Visit midsouthpride.org for more information
SEPTEMBER 28: NC PRIDE
“Come One, Love All” is the theme for the 2nd annual NC Pride Festival in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, September 28 from 4-10:00pm. Visit prideforallnc.org for more information.
OCTOBER 4-6: ORLANDO PRIDE
Orlando’s “Come Out with Pride” celebration is one of the best in the country and is aligned almost perfectly with National Coming Out Day which is October 11th. Visit comeoutwithpride.com for more information.
OCTOBER 11-13: ATLANTA PRIDE
If Georgia is on your mind come October, why not celebrate pride in ATL at the 49th Atlanta Pride Celebration? Atlanta Pride has a Pride Parade, the annual Trans March on Saturday October 12 at 1:45pm and the Annual Dyke March on at 5:00pm on Saturday, too. Visit atlantapride.org for more information.
OCTOBER 11-13: NASHVILLE BLACK PRIDE (NBP)
The Fight Continues as NBP rolls out for year 17! NBP hosts several events over the two and a half day weekend celebration including an awards dinner, Education Scholarship presentation, nightly parties, community day with vendors and a town hall. Visit nashvilleblackpride.org for more information.
OCTOBER 19: JACKSON PRIDE
Jackson Pride Fest is Equality Jackson’s biggest annual fundraiser. Equality Jackson is founded on the love of others and exists to provide support and advocacy to the LGBTQ+ community and to provide a safe community or space as well as community outreach. Join us for our 2nd annual Jackson Pride on October 19, 2019!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/384026942207774/
OCTOBER 19: 2019 LITTLE ROCK PRIDE FEST
Join us Saturday October 19th as we celebrate our 7th year of pride!Admission is FREE (but a suggested $5 donation is at the gate is welcomed!) and open to the public! Enjoy live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, adult beverages, a family zone, and more!! All are welcome! Don’t miss out on the state’s largest LGBTQ event. The 2019 Little Rock Pride Parade begins at 1 PM and will go down President Clinton Ave.
https://www.facebook.com/events/345782109465303/
NOVEMBER 1-3: OUT IN EUREKA
Eureka Springs, Arkansas has 3 Diversity (Pride) Weekends a year. Our next Diversity is November 1-3. Lady Bunny will be the Fall Diversity Headliner.
www.outineureka.com
NOVEMBER 1-3: PALM SPRINGS PRIDE
If travel is in your budget in November, head out to sunny California to the city often called an LGBTQ mecca. From 10a.m.-10p.m., enjoy the sunshine and the festivities in Palm Springs. The festival happens November 2 and the parade is on November 3. Visit pspride.org to find out why Palm Springs is the place to be, especially in November.
