LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Every June, millions of Americans join in on the month-long celebration of Pride, highlighting the LGBTQ+ people in our communities.
During Pride Month, there are hundreds of events celebrating love including parades, festivals, drag performances and memorials celebrating those in the community who have been lost tot he HIV/AIDS epidemic.
So, why do we celebrate in June?
In June of 1969, the New York City police department raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, claiming the bar had violated liquor laws.
What followed was the beginning of the Gay Liberation Movement.
One year after the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride march happened and in 1999, then-President Bill Clinton federally recognized June as Pride Month.
Pride Month is a way to celebrate the impact LGBTQ+ individuals have had on our communities, both nationally and locally, and recognize their efforts in the fight for equality.
Here's what Pride events are happening this June:
Southern Indiana Pride Parade & Festival
The 2022 Southern Indiana Pride Parade & Festival is Saturday, June 4. The parade starts at 4 p.m. and the festival is from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Big Four Station Park.
The parade will march down Historic Spring Street in Jeffersonville.
Entry into the parade is free and people are encouraged to have decorated floats or vehicles.
Louisville Pride 5K Run/Walk
Join the Louisville Pride Foundation for a family-friendly event for people of all ages, athletic abilities and skill levels!
On June 12, LPF is hosting a 5K run/walk in Cherokee Park at Hogan's Fountain Pavilion. The race starts at 10 a.m.
Registration is $30 per person and includes a race T-shirt and finisher's medal. The funds raised benefit the Louisville Pride Foundation, a local non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ in Louisville. There's also a virtual 5K you can register for.
Note: After midnight on June 9, the registration cost will increase.
Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade
The 2022 Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade will take place on June 18 on the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park.
Some of the entertainment lineup announced Tuesday include international recording artist Tove Lo, and other performances from:
- Miki Ratsula
- Dominique Morgan
- The Kentucky Gentlemen
- Daisha McBride
Louisville talent performing on the festival's two stages include Most Wanted, Louisville Gay Men's Chorus, drag performances hosted by Leah Halston and more.
Additional entertainment performances will be announced in the coming weeks.
Thirty vendors have been named so far, including Creative Family Counseling, Alchemical Journey, Beyond the Shade and Messey Boutique.
While the parade is free, entry into the festival is $5, and VIP packages will start at $125. The parade starts at the corner of Campbell and Market, turns onto Preston and finishes at the Big Four Lawn.
Paint with a Drag Queen
Join Tova Ura Vitch, a local celebrity entertainer, and Miss River City Pride of 2019 at Viva Art in New Albany, Ind. for a special painting class.
Tova will teach a 2.5 to 3 hour long class on June 24 from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets costs $45 per person and includes one canvas, painting materials and free giveaways. Purchase tickets online by clicking here.
This event is recommended for those age 18+.
The Louisville Pride Festival
This one will take place after Pride Month, but it's still worth mentioning so you can start planning now!
On Saturday, Sept. 17 the Louisville Pride Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Bardstown Road in the Highlands.
There will be live performances from national artists, local music and talent, healthcare screenings, food and drinks, arts and crafts and booths highlighting local resources for LGBTQ+ people in Kentuckiana.
For more information, click here.
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