Northern Nevada Pride, the area’s annual LGBTQ+ celebration, is slated to be expanded this year.
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month nationally, but locals celebrate in conjunction with Artown in July. Northern Nevada Pride’s festival and CommUNITY Pride Parade are scheduled for Saturday, July 22. The day-long events bring together the LGBTQ+ community, allies and businesses, said YeVonne Allen, the event’s marketing director.
The parade will be in downtown Reno, starting at 10 a.m. The festival will be at Wingfield Park and surrounding streets from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sponsor, vendor, parade and volunteer information can be found at www.NorthernNevadaPride.org.
The festival and parade are presented by (and will benefit) Our Center, Northern Nevada’s LGBTQ+ community center, located at 1745 S. Wells Ave., in Reno. Northern Nevada Pride’s mission, Allen said, “is to empower all members of our fun-loving community” and to bring people together to “promote diversity, celebrate our culture, remember our history and advocate for our future.”
This year, the Pride Festival has three stages of entertainment, including a DJ area; the festival also extends down First Street. Special guests are Jordy, Mo Heart and Wreckno. A $5 donation is payable at the entrances. Free tickets are periodically offered on social media, Allen said.
Other activities on festival day include a Drag Brunch at Café Whitney, 255 N. Virginia St, starting at 10:30 a.m., with a live performance by the Haus Does Moore. On Sunday, July 23, the Grand Sierra Resort hosts the Pride Pool Party with Les Lee.
Sponsors of Pride 2023 include Anthem, the Washoe County Health District and dozens of local businesses and individuals. Those with questions about the event may check the organizers’ Facebook page or contact Allen at yevonneallen@gmail.com.
More information about Our Center can be found at www.OurCenterReno.org.
Just ruined Artown as I will not attend now. I do not need to CELEBRATE who someone chooses to have sex with, and that is all that makes gays different than straight people. Nothing against them, just don’t deserve to have a parade and special month, we are all the same… people.
Many people/groups are still fighting for equality and acceptance. To not be aware of that fact makes you pretty ignorant and, well, sorta mean. You refuse to go to an event (cancel culture?) because people want to CELEBRATE who they are with joy? Just what kind of America do you want to live in? Be thankful that you are apparently privileged enough to not need a parade/month to try and have a seat at the table. Please reconsider and join the fight for progress, peace and love of all kinds. We will accept you with love if/when you are ready.