By: Christopher Kingsley
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.
August 17-18: Charlotte Pride – Founded in 2000, Charlotte Pride boasts one of the largest LGBTQ Pride organizations in the southeast. Their festival and parade is no joke. In 2017 alone, Charlotte Pride attracted more than 150,000 visitors. It might be time to see what all the fuss is about. Visit charlottepride.org for more information.
September 9: Boro Pride – For a pride festival with small-town flair, check out “Boro Pride” in Murfreesboro’s downtown square from 5-10:00p.m. Visit the Boro Pride Facebook page, facebook.com/boropridetn, for more information.
September 28: Midsouth Pride – Just a short drive West on I-40 to Memphis will take you to the 16th Annual MidSouth 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.
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.
