At press time, we're still not sure if the Supreme Court of United States of America will rule on marriage equality before Grand Rapids celebrates the return of the
Greater Grand Rapids Pride at Calder Plaza. Either way, it is important to note that this annual festival's popularity has come a long way.
Years ago getting a t-shirt with the word printed on it was a problem, but today the booth spaces available have sold out in record time as many who value our region's LGBT, from local businesses to politicians, have been clamoring to be a part of this annual event at Calder Plaza.
The event kicks off the night before with many parties, including a Friday night dance pre-party at Eve (in the The BOB), a local version of The White Party, and The Apartment Lounge's screening of “
A People's History of The LGBTQ Community in Grand Rapids."
This year Pride has many new parts to share. For starters, there is a kick-off event at Ah-Nab-Awen Park at 10 a.m. with a "United We Stand" rally on the banks of the Grand River followed by a hand-in-hand event. This historic and symbolic community-building event begins at 11 a.m. as folks form a human chain down the Grand River, over the Gillette Bridge and then around the Eastside river walk.
Immediately after, folks will walk to Calder Plaza for the kick off of Pride with guest musicians and performers including the crowd favorite Kings and Queens of Pride. The special guest artists for the day include Glee's Alex Newell, DJ Hector Fonseca, Pop Punk artist Eryn Woods, Lady Ace Boogie, and so many more all day long until it wraps up at 10 p.m.
I am especially happy to announce that I have been asked to fill the shoes of comic Sarah Jean Anderson, who has hosted the annual event for years. (I have seen her shoes and I am going to have to struggle to stand up in those heels.)
There is even an opportunity to chill out in a brand new VIP lounge sponsored by the Grand Rapid Community Foundation, where many amenities tailored towards pampering the person looking to make a day of it have been considered. The full listing of offerings can be viewed
here.
However you choose to celebrate Pride this June, it is nice to know that Grand Rapids started its journey in 1994 when it declared from City Hall that indeed The Future Needs All of Us. … even our LGBT.
Admission: $5. Donation at the gates