Tacoma’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community is gearing up for an exciting month of Pride celebrations. While June is traditionally recognized as Pride month, the City of Tacoma has officially proclaimed July as Tacoma’s Pride month, extending the festivities to July. This move highlights the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, two-spirit, and allied community.
The annual Tacoma Pride Festival, organized by the Rainbow Center, a local nonprofit providing valuable resources, will kick off the month-long celebrations. The festival promises a variety of engaging events, including the LGBTQ+ Community Pride awards and Flag Raising ceremony. Held at the iconic Pantages Theatre, this event aims to honor individuals, community-based organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the LGBTQ+ community. Following the ceremony, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards will proudly raise the Pride flag over Tacoma City Hall.
On Saturday, July 8, the Tacoma Pride Festival takes center stage, transforming Pacific Avenue into a vibrant hub of celebration. This free, all-ages event welcomes everyone and features a beer garden, live entertainment by queer and BIPOC artists, and a Makers Market showcasing local talents. The festival’s entrance is located at South 9th street and Pacific Avenue, promising an immersive experience that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusivity.
In the evening, the Tacoma Pride Block Party will take place at The Mix on St. Helens Ave. This 21-plus event offers an electric atmosphere with multiple DJ sets, captivating drag performances, and delectable food vendors. Entrance to the block party is $35, providing a thrilling opportunity to dance the night away and revel in the joyful spirit of Pride.
To cap off the weekend, the Queer Interfaith Celebration, a free event, will be held on Sunday, July 9, at Todd Field, University of Puget Sound. This inclusive gathering aims to foster unity and celebrate the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ identities.
As Tacoma embraces Pride month, several street closures will be in effect on July 8 to accommodate the festival. Pacific Avenue, Court A, A Street, and South 8th Street will be temporarily closed, while St. Helens Avenue will be closed for the Mix Pride Block Party.
Throughout June and July, Metro Parks joins in the celebration by hosting various events, such as Pride Celebration at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, as well as the Pride Movie in the Park featuring “Hairspray” at People’s Park on July 14.
Tacoma’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month serves as a platform for all community members to unite, appreciate diversity, and support their LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors. Let’s join together in eliminating prejudice and embracing the enriching differences that make Tacoma a welcoming and inclusive city for all.
Sources:
- Montalvo, R. (2023, July 6). Tacoma’s Pride celebration starts Friday. Here’s what to know about festival, traffic. Tacoma News Tribune.
- Winters, A. (2023, June 27). Pride Events & Board Proclamation 2023 – Metro Parks Tacoma. Metro Parks Tacoma.
- Image Credit: Elvert Barnes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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