By Sabine Hansen
Happy Pride Month! After much anticipation and a year of Zoom calls in leu of parades, Pride is back in full swing. While we were all on a year of social hiatus, quarantined journeys of self-discovery led to an increase in Generation Z’s participation in the LGBTQ+ community. According to a CBS article released in late February of 2021, about 16% of Generation Z adults identify as LGBTQ+. This percentage is a sharp increase from the 9% of Millennials and only 4% of Generation X who identify with the LGBTQ+ community.
With about 1 in 6 Generation Z adults considering themselves queer rather than heterosexual, Pride is sure to provide much-needed celebration throughout the month of June. But how can you celebrate amidst a covid centric world? Many cities have chosen to delay festivities until vaccine numbers increase and COVID cases decrease, others have moved parades online. Find out how you can participate in Pride Month wherever you are!
Madison
- Pride Ride: a bicycle ride dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The event will be June 27 at 9 am. For more information
- Magic Pride Festival is virtual for 2021 due to covid. The annual event will take place August 22 from 1 to 6 pm and include speakers, entertainment, and virtual vendors! For more information
- Madison will continue to celebrate Pride around the city virtual and inperson celebrations such as RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia, a Stonewall Memorial Drag March, and Pride Prom. For more information
Milwaukee
- Inperson Pridefest has been canceled due to COVID-19. Members of Milwaukee Pride Inc. are looking for alternative dates. For more information
- Milwaukee is hosting Pride themed events around the city such as a Pride night at the Brewers, covid vaccine appointments, and drag shows. For more information
New York City
- New York City’s annual Pride March will take place in person June 27th at 12 pm and include a broadcast special. For more information
- New York City’s Pride Island will be a hybrid venue this summer with both virtual and in-person opportunities. For more information
- PrideFest street fair: On June 27th at 11 am, PrideFest will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with exhibitors, entertainers, food vendors and more! For more information
- NYC Pride: New York City has planned a myriad of activities, virtual and in person to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community throughout June. For more information and a calendar
Seattle
- Seattle Pride will celebrate virtually in 2021 from 11 am to 5 pm June 26-27! The event will host Big Freedia, a New Orleans based hip-hop artist, as a headliner as well as games such as bedroom bingo with Drag Queen Cookie Couture. For more information
New Orleans
- Nola Pride: New Orleans is packing three days with Pride celebrations! From June 10-13th, join the party with themed parties, appreciation nights and a parade. For more information
Austin
- Austin Pride Parade and Festival: August 14, join Texas in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community for a long weekend and a parade down Congress Avenue. The festival will include events, music, nightclubs and restaurants for partitioners to enjoy! For more information and a calendar
Virtual
- In a conscious effort to reach the broadest audience it can, Pride has adapted to include multiple virtual events that celebrate the queer community and its allies. These events are designed to be educational as well as celebratory in order to spark Pride in all participants! Whether it is a book talk, dance party or Drag Queen panel, these virtual Pride events have something for everybody. Follow the link to updated, online celebrations throughout the 2021 summer. For more information
Celebrate Pride however you choose throughout the month of June. Whether it be virtual or in person events, Pride is designed to bring together allies and community members in festivities that honor LGBTQ+ individuals. Enjoy the beginning of the 2021 summer season Pridefully.