It's June, and you know what that means! OK, maybe you don't, but that's what I'm here for. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the end of June means Pride Week! This year, Portland's Pride Festival will be taking place on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.
So, what is Pride Week? Pride Week is a time when events are held to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture and community. At times, the events have been a part of demonstrations for legal rights, such as same-sex marriage. Most pride events are held annually, and most of them are held in June, to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which were a key moment in LGBT history.
If you aren't familiar with the Stonewall Riots, that's OK. Most people aren't familiar with them, either. The Stonewall Riot took place on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn -- a gay club in New York City -- because the club had been serving alcohol without a liquor license among many other violations. The raid turned violent when patrons and local sympathizers began to riot against the police, because New York's LGBT community had grown tired of the police department targeting gay clubs. By the time the Stonewall Riots happened, many of New York City's gay clubs had been shut down by the government. Reports say that the community around The Stonewall Inn quietly watched as the employees were arrested and put into patrol cars, but when three drag queens and a lesbian were ushered into patrol cars, that was when things turned violent, and officers were forced to take cover inside The Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Riot was followed by several days of demonstrations in New York, and was the impetus for the formation of the Gay Liberation Front, as well as many other LGBT civil rights organizations.
All right, now that you know a bit about where Pride Week comes from, hopefully you are interested in attending some of Portland's Pride Week festivities!
Saturday, June 18.
The Third Annual Official Portland Trans Pride March by Greater Portland TransUnity. The Trans Pride March will begin at 3:30 p.m., and will take place in Portland's North Park Blocks. Greater Portland TransUnity will be joined by other organizations, such as the Portland Two Spirit Society, PFLAG Portland Black Chapter, SMYRC, Q Center and Dykes on Bikes.
Gaylabration 2016. This is Portland's fifth annual Gaylabration, which is a dance party, fundraiser, and official Pride Festival event to celebrate the diversity of love and relationships in the LGBT community. All profits made from the celebration support the fulfillment of the Pride Northwest core mission. The event will feature entertainment provided by DJ DrewG, Orographie, LYFE Dance Company, and Revol Artists. This year's Gaylabration is being held at the Crystal Ballroom, located at 1332 W. Burnside St. in Portland. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $50 VIP advance, and $60 VIP at the door.
Sunday, June 19.
Portland Pride Parade. Portland's second largest parade starts at 11:00 a.m., and will march from Burnside to the Waterfront. The event is free, and each year, thousands of people line the streets of Downtown Portland to watch up to 150 groups celebrate pride week. The event is free, so grab your lawn chair, and go watch! This is an event you don't want to miss.
All Weekend
Portland Pride Festival. Featuring bright colors, fabulous food, wonderful people, and so much more! A number of diverse, renowned food, snack, and beverage vendors will be attending, so you won't have to worry about going hungry! However, festival patrons are being asked to not bring their own food or beverages onto the festival grounds, and of course, if you plan on visiting the alcohol service area, you will need to present a legal ID. Portland's Pride Festival is being held at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park along Naito Parkway, between SW Pine Street and the Morrison Bridge. The festival will be open from noon to 6:00 p.m. both days, and admission is a requested $7, to help cover costs. Don't have the money? Don't worry. No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay.
