This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 11th annual Kalamazoo Pride in downtown Kalamazoo. The event was a vibrant festival filled with activities, treats, entertainment, and, most importantly, an atmosphere of support and love for all those apart of the LGBTQ+ community. The festival also functions as a fundraiser for Outfront Kalamazoo, which is organization that offers various resources to those in the LGBTQ+ community within the area. Although I didn't arrive early enough to partake in the early evening festivities, when I did arrive, I was able to witness the judging of the Miss Kalamazoo Pride Pageant, which made history this year by giving out the title of Mister Kalamazoo Pride to a performer by the name of Ricky J (over the years, although Kings have participated, the winning titles/prizes have been won by Queens). The night ended with the cool electro jazz arrangements of the band, Minor Element.
In summary, while this event is a really enjoyable way to spend the evening with friends and loved ones, it is ultimately meant to serve as a safe space for a demographic of people that are heavily scrutinized, discriminated against, and often targeted with hate and violence in our society. This event, which takes place at the beginning of Pride Month, is a celebration of self love and acceptance, and place to represent your true self and to find others who share your identity and interests. Lastly, it is a remembrance celebration for all of the members of the LGBT+ community who lost their lives over the decades in order to bring light to a community of people that have, for too long, been left in the dark.
Link to the Outfront Website: https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/
