This year’s event is set to be bigger, bolder, and even more fun than before.
For over fifty years, Iowa City has been a shining example of embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Even before Pride Month was officially recognized in June, the city had been a proud supporter of the cause. This year, the much-awaited Iowa City Pride Festival and parade will grace the city on Saturday, June 15, continuing the vibrant tradition of celebrating love, acceptance, and equality for all.
According to Joe Reilly, who has been serving as the President of Iowa City Pride since 2019, this year’s celebration is larger than any before.
Reilly expressed that this year’s event is even more significant than the previous year. He explained that the way people come together has evolved over the years. In the 70s, the event was more like a parade where people marched on the streets, being visible, and advocating for their rights. However, it has now become more than that, and it is considered a community event.
The theme for this year’s Iowa City Pride is “Forward with Strength”, which serves as a powerful response to the recent state and national legislative decisions that have adversely affected the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, Iowa City Pride is encouraging the LGBTQ+ community to persist in their efforts and keep moving forward.
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Reilly stated that the LGBTQ+ community is not willing to regress back into hiding their identities. They are determined to maintain the progress that has been made so far. Despite the various challenges and setbacks faced on political, national, and statewide levels, the community must continue to move forward. It is important for them to show up for one another and rely on each other for support. Being strong doesn’t mean going through it alone, but rather it means being united and standing together. Therefore, they are moving forward with strength and determination.
Celebrating beyond downtown Iowa City
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Acknowledging the necessity of broadening the festival’s reach beyond the downtown area, the board members of Pride made a conscious effort to encompass as many neighborhoods as possible. In line with this objective, the 2024 Pride Festival will feature a putt-putt event and various shows and performances scheduled throughout the week leading up to Saturday.
Reilly explained that some members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Iowa City prefer to gather in areas outside of downtown. As a board, they are actively seeking out these locations to better connect with those individuals. Moving forward, their goal is to identify more events that can take place throughout the year, rather than solely during the month of June.
Iowa City Pride was able to expand its reach and make its events more accessible by partnering with local businesses in Coralville. Thanks to these partnerships, the organization was able to create events in the area and provide more opportunities for people to participate in Pride celebrations.
Lucky Kiche, the Diversity Officer and board member of Iowa City Pride, is proud to present the newest activity at the festival – Putt Putt Pride. This is an interactive mini golf event that showcases the history of the LGBTQIA+ community. After each round, participants can enjoy a pop quiz with various Iowa City Pride swag available as prizes. Putt Putt Pride is a family-friendly event that is suitable for all ages, and live music will also be available. Join us at Tavern Blue in Coralville on Monday and be a part of this exciting experience!
A drag show on ice
A unique addition to this year’s schedule of events is the Drag Icecapades. This show puts a spin on a typical drag performance by taking it to the ice rink. Local drag performers will host an electrifying show filled with high-energy numbers at the Coral Ridge Mall on Thursday, June 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. Following the show, an open skate will be available free of charge for all attendees.
Reilly expressed that their main goal for the event is to eliminate any barriers that may prevent people from participating, such as cost or location constraints. “We aim to make it a truly inclusive event, and for that, we rely heavily on our partners to drive and support the event,” Reilly added.
One of the exciting events during Pride Festival week is the immensely popular Pride at the Pool, held at City Park Pool on June 12. Another much-loved activity is the Big Gay Bar Crawl, which is scheduled for June 11 and will be free of charge this year.
Record-breaking vendor fair and parade fueled by community support
The Pride Festival and parade of this year have reached new heights with an impressive turnout of 130 vendors and almost 50 sponsors, making it the largest one yet. The show’s popularity is on the rise as more businesses and organizations are showing their support by actively participating in the event.
Reilly, a volunteer board member of Iowa City Pride, emphasizes the importance of partnerships in creating safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. “We are constantly searching for new locations where our community can come together and connect,” she explains. The outpouring of love and support from our partners enables us to host events such as our festival and parade, as well as year-round programming for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike.”
On Saturday at noon, the Pride parade will commence its journey downtown, followed by the Pride Festival on the Pedmall, which will feature local artists and drag performers delivering exciting performances.
Starting at College Green Park, the parade will make its way through Iowa Avenue and E. Washington Street, heading downtown.
The Englert will be hosting the Iowa City Afties, a fresh addition to this year’s festival. Starting at 10 p.m., the afterparty will showcase a special performance by Ms. White, a talented transgender singer-songwriter, and local artist Josiah Scherr Kang, in an intimate setting at the Englert Theatre.
Get ready for a memorable experience at the 51st Iowa City Pride Festival! This event brings together people from all walks of life for a massive celebration of diversity and inclusivity.
Reilly expressed her gratitude towards the people of Iowa City, who have been supportive of the LGBTQIA community. She acknowledged their love, trust, and desire to see the community thrive. Reilly added that she is hopeful for the future and looks forward to celebrating another 50 years of Iowa City Pride. She believes that their community will continue to grow and extend its support to those in need.
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