Laramie’s sixth annual PrideFest culminates with “Pride in the Park” Saturday
Pride in the Park will feature food, music and community. It caps off a month of celebrations, remembrances and camaraderie for Laramie’s LGBTQ+ community.
Laramie PrideFest has returned this June for the sixth year since it started in 2017. Organizers say it’s a time for celebrating, honoring and supporting Wyoming’s LGBTQ+ community, while acknowledging the legacy of Pride and its birth during the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
“PrideFest shows that the community is here and deserves recognition and equal rights,” said Daniel Galbreath, chair of Laramie PrideFest. “These events draw a wide range of people and shows what is good about the community and how we are supportive of each other.”
Throughout June, communities across the United States and world are expressing themselves and their support for diversity. Laramie is no different. Laramie will join Pride celebrations in recognizing and commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
On June 28, 1969, police raided a crowded Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, harassing patrons and looking for anyone whose gender presentation did not match their official documentation. Stonewall goers and NYC’s LGBTQ+ community rebelled, physically, forcefully resisting the police, and sparked a revolution that would change the lives of future generations.
While there have been Pride events in Laramie throughout June, the final week is the busiest. On Tuesday, “Tales at the Taphouse” highlighted local queer voices. Tonight, the Great Untamed meadery is hosting Pride Karaoke. Tomorrow, the Ruffed Up Duck Saloon will host the Laramie PrideFest Drag Show.
And on Saturday, there will be a variety of activities suited for people of all ages.
The day begins with a Proclamation Reading and Pride March starting in the First Street Plaza at 10 a.m. The march will lead into Pride in the Park, which runs from noon – 4 p.m. at Washington Park.
“PrideFest culminates in Pride in the Park, which is the big flagship celebration where the LGBTQ+ community shows its love for each other and the community, and where the community gets to show its love of diversity and of all people who live here,” Galbreath said.
Pride in the Park festivities include six live music performances, a variety of food and drink vendors, community organizations and more — all in celebration and support of Laramie’s LGBTQ+ community. Galbreath said events focus on recognition, acceptance and acknowledgment of the need for a community that exhibits love and healing.
Earlier this month, the Laramie City Council proclaimed June as Pride Month. Mayor Paul Weaver expressed his support and appreciation for PrideFest and its staff.
“It was the residents and citizens of Laramie who worked to make this happen,” he said. “I think it’s particularly important to have this proclamation, and to express the support from the city council for the recognition and celebration of this.”
Full PrideFest event calendar here.