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Seattle celebrates 50 years of Pride

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Nate Gowdy
Nate Gowdy

This year marks a milestone for Pride in Seattle. It was 50 years ago when members of the city's LGBTQ community gathered (the same year as the SGN's debut) in the spirit of the Stonewall uprising, and ever since then, Seattle Pride has hit the streets each June.

With so much to celebrate, the Seattle Pride organizing team is bringing a full line-up of events for Queers and allies of all ages. This year's theme is "NOW!" — an embodiment of our community's rallying cry from those early years when "Out of the closets and into the streets!" inspired many brave souls to cast off oppression and unite as a determined force to be reckoned with NOW!

The parade route travels from Westlake Park along 4th Avenue and ends near Seattle Center where PrideFest will be underway — Courtesy image  

Pride is our state's largest parade, with more than 250 local and national community groups, nonprofits, and companies taking part, along with civic leaders, brands, and businesses. The main event will be the downtown Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30. It starts at 10 a.m. with a pre-show at Westlake Park then steps off at 11 a.m. and travels along Fourth Avenue to Denny Way. Nearby, PrideFest will be underway at Seattle Center, from noon to 8 p.m.

The parade route will feature three stages — at Westlake Park, Fourth and Lenora, and Fourth and Denny Way — two alcohol gardens, and food trucks. Sit down and enjoy the parade from the front row in bleacher-style grandstand seating available for purchase in advance. ADA priority seating is available to those with accessibility needs (plus two other persons in their group, regardless of accessibility needs); these seats must be reserved in advance at https://SeattlePride.org

New this year, Seattle Pride presents the Official Seattle Pride Parade Drag Brunch & Viewing Party on the rooftop patio of Hilton Motif Seattle's Frolik Kitchen above the parade starting line. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., indulge in the elevated parade-watching experience with performances by Amora Namor, Brandi Marx, Bruno Baewatch, Dion Dior Black, Kara Sutra, Kylie Mooncakes, and Viper Fengz. Enjoy drinks and a brunch buffet with drag entertainment and DJ Wes Wunder spinning five decades of Pride anthems. Tickets start at $80. More details are at https://SeattlePride.org

This year's parade grand marshals are star athletes Megan Rapinoe (l) and Sue Bird — Courtesy photo  

Grand marshals
This year's parade grand marshals are Seattle sports legends Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, both of whom quickly became beloved Queer icons anxd role models for their outstanding athleticism. Bird is a five-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA champion point guard for the Seattle Storm and the league's all-time leader in assists. Rapinoe is a two-time soccer World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist and a fan favorite on and off Seattle Reign's pitch.

"We are beyond excited that Sue and Megan will be serving as grand marshals," said Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn. "These two exceptional women are champions in their respective sports, champions for the Queer community, and role models for future generations of LGBTQIA+ leaders. They are the perfect grand marshals for our 50-year milestone."

The star duo shared a joint statement: "We're honored to be named grand marshals for the Seattle Pride Parade and look forward to seeing everyone on parade day. It's humbling to be recognized in our city that we love, and as part of a community with such a rich LGBTQIA+ history. It's going to be an incredible celebration of love and acceptance."

The parade's grand marshal contingent is an intergenerational mix of LGBTQ elders and youth that includes David Neth, organizer of Seattle's first Gay Pride Week; and representatives from community groups, including Camp Ten Trees, GenPride, Lambert House, Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center, and Seattle Public Schools.

Pride Weekend events

Friday, June 28
• Trans Pride at Volunteer Park, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Info: https://transprideseattle.org
• Wildrose Street Party, 1021 E. Pike St., 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: https://strangertickets.com
• Queer/Bar Street Party, 1518 11th Ave., 5-11 p.m. Info: https://queerpridefestival.com
• Kremwerk, 1809 Minor Ave., 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: https://kremwerk.com
• The Cuff Pride Street Festival, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., 1533 13th Ave. Info: https://seetickets.us
• Union Pride Street Party, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., 1009 E. Union St. Info: https://unionseattle.com

Saturday, June 29
• PrideFest Capitol Hill, Broadway, noon-8 p.m., Info: https://seattleprideguide.com
• Dyke March, 5-7 p.m. rally, 7 p.m. march. Info: https://seattledykemarch.com
• Wildrose Street Party, 1021 E. Pike St., 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: https://strangertickets.com
• Queer/Bar Street Party, 1518 11th Ave., 5-11 p.m. Info: https://queerpridefestival.com
• Kremwerk, 1809 Minor Ave., 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: https://kremwerk.com
• The Cuff Pride Street Festival, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., 1533 13th Ave. Info: https://seetickets.us
• Union Pride Street Party, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., 1009 E. Union St. Info: https://unionseattle.com

Sunday, June 30
• PrideFest Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., noon-8 p.m. Info: https://seattlecenter.com
• Seattle Pride Parade, downtown 4th Ave., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: https://seattlepride.org
• Wildrose Street Party, 1021 E. Pike St., 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: https://strangertickets.com
• Queer/Bar Street Party, 1518 11th Ave., 5-11 p.m. Info: https://queerpridefestival.com
• Kremwerk, 1809 Minor Ave., 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: https://kremwerk.com
• The Cuff Pride Street Festival, noon-10 p.m., 1533 13th Ave. Info: https://seetickets.us
• Union Pride Street Party, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., 1009 E. Union St. Info: https://unionseattle.com