Tacoma, WA is a city that embraces diversity and inclusion, and nowhere is that more evident than in its annual Gay Pride Festival. The festival, which honors the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts thousands of people from the South Puget Sound region and beyond.
The festival, which is organized by the Rainbow Center, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community, has been running since 1994. It has grown from a small gathering to a week-long celebration that features various events, such as:
- Pride Flag Raising: A symbolic gesture of solidarity and visibility, the Pride Flag is raised at the Tacoma City Hall on June 30th, kicking off the festival.
- LGBTQ+ Community Pride Awards: A ceremony that recognizes the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations that have made a positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region. The ceremony takes place on July 7th at the Pantages Theater.
- Pride Celebration: The main event of the festival, the Pride Celebration is a free, family-friendly, and accessible event that takes place on July 8th at the downtown Tacoma. It features live entertainment from local and national artists, a Makers Market with local vendors and artisans, food trucks, and community booths. The Pride Celebration is hosted by Alma, a local drag queen and activist.
- Block Party at The Mix: A fun and festive after-party that takes place on July 8th at The Mix, a popular LGBTQ+ friendly bar and nightclub. The Block Party features DJs, dancing, drag shows, and more.
The Tacoma Gay Pride Festival is not only a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, but also a way to raise awareness and educate the public about the issues and challenges that the community faces. The festival also promotes sustainability and environmentalism, as it partners with Earth Gay Tacoma, an initiative that organizes volunteer activities to restore and beautify local parks.
The Tacoma Gay Pride Festival is a testament to the strength, resilience, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region. It is an event that welcomes everyone who wants to celebrate pride in who they are as valuable, creative members of society.
For more information about the festival, visit https://tacomapride.org/ or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
1. tacomapride.org2. tacomapride.org3. metroparkstacoma.org4. greaterseattleonthecheap.com5. tacomapride.org
