It's finally here; the time of year we have all been waiting for. As the state anticipates total reopening on June 30th, Pride has gone "hybrid". With an exciting mix of online and in-person festivities throughout the month, Seattleites are set to have access to a wide range of celebrations, discussions, and empowerment once again. Whether you feel most proud within your own pod at home or from rallying in the streets with a larger collective, SGN's got you covered with multiple ways to join in Pride 2021.

Virtual Pride

SGN is proud to have correspondence with the following organizations and individuals sharing online Pride event details from around the country. All event times are listed in PDT.

Wednesday, June 23 at 5 pm: Queer culture-maker and hip-hop icon Big Freedia hosts "Profesh Sesh", a discussion targeted towards young LGBTQ+ artists or creatives looking to advance their careers. Tickets to the event are free with $10 recommended optional donation. All proceeds will go to The Ally Coalition's campaign to end the criminalization of LGBTQ+ youth in aims of building a safer and more just New Orleans. Find tickets and further information at quadio.com/bigfreedia.

Friday, June 25 at 9 am: the American Bar Association Judicial Division hosts 6 judges and former judges to discuss "Legal Path to Equity: The Progress, Challenges and Perseverance of the LGBTQ+ Community in the Courts." It is part of the ABA's celebration of Pride Month, and features several of our nation's first LGBTQ+ judges on its panel. Washington's own Justice G. Helen Whitener was the state's first Black LGBTQ judge.

Saturday, June 26 at 11am: Seattle Pride will be taking the virtual approach this year, featuring a diverse array of speakers, performers, activities, and activism reflecting this year's theme, "Resilience". Livestreamed musical headliners include Mary Lambert, Big Freedia, Perfume Genius, and mxmtoon. The two-day event will be hosted by Seattle's own, Betty Wetter. Virtual doors open at 10:45 am and events come to a close at 5 pm, both Saturday and Sunday. Find the full schedule at seattlepride.org/virtualpride.

Saturday, June 26 at 5 pm: Seattle Dyke March goes live with a virtual showcase event featuring local, queer women and dyke-identified musicians and performers. Details TBD at https://seattledykemarch.com/.

In-person and hybrid events

Though masks are no longer mandatory by state law, each of the following organizations encourages face coverings and/or social distancing. Find more information on their COVID-19 safety precautions at their respective websites.

Saturday, June 19 at 2 pm: Celebrate with Pacific Northwest Black Pride at their "Pride Legacy BBQ", hosted with People of Color Against Aids Network (POCAAN). Lasting through 5 pm, the barbeque will offer free HIV and STI test kits, COVID-19 vaccine information, and food while available. RSVP or learn more about the event in Seattle or Tacoma by texting 206-581-1493 or emailing [email protected].

Saturday, June 26 at 9 am: Run/Walk with Pride at Magnuson Park! This 5k and 10k event by Seattle Frontrunners also features a virtual option, with all proceeds directed to Peer Seattle for their peer emotional support and development services to LGBTQ+ individuals impacted by addiction, mental health and/or HIV. Registration is still open at http://www.runwalkwithpride.org/.

Saturday, June 26-Sunday 27 (all day): Capitol Hill Pride is excited to announce their 12th annual weekend-long event series at Cal Anderson Park. Talks begin at 10 am Saturday, culminating in a March at noon followed by an evening of guest speakers and music. More than 45 vendors that will line Bobby Morris Playfield both days (find SGN along 11th next to The DJ Sessions). Capitol Hill Pride will host a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic, will have multiple screening checkpoints on-site, and has banned police this year. See the full schedule at https://www.capitolhillpridefestival.info/.

Saturday, June 26 at 1 pm: Queer the Land, Trans Women of Color Solidarity Network, and Alphabet Alliance of Color are set to host "TAKING B(L)ACK PRIDE" in Jimi Hendrix Park. The event's focus is on highlighting Black Queer and Trans experiences in the community and will include food vendors, music, guest speakers, and more. Hosts seek to honor the recent deaths of Trans Black women Dominique Lucious, Diamond Kyree Sanders and Jaida Peterson while also bringing joy and empowerment to the community. There will be a pop-up vaccine clinic available at the park. More at https://www.seattlepride.org/events/taking-black-pride.

Saturday, June 26 (all day): Reflect on the past at MoPOP's coming exhibition, "Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement". The museum has curated additional material highlighting the artists and activists of Seattle's local LGTBQ+ movement. Get tickets at mopop.org/visit.

Allyship in 2021

While Seattle Pride Parade takes the year off and Seattle's bars cautiously return to business as usual, this year is a perfect opportunity for the LGBTQ+ ally to show their support through education, donation, or direct community action.

After a year of economic hardship, LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations have struggled to stay afloat. Campaigns like "Spend With Pride" from Intentionalist in partnership with all major Seattle sports leagues, make it easy to support local LGBTQ+ organizations. Find more information on how to participate here: https://intentionalist.com/spend-with-pride/.

Beyond financial support or event attendance, 2021 has illuminated the virtues of virtual connection and digital communication tools. With resources from around the world available at the touch of a finger, opportunities for self-teaching and community action reach far and wide.