Celebrating Pride in Southern Indiana
By Sarah Laury, MSW, LCSW – May 30, 2024 –
The month of June is Pride month, dedicated to celebrating and recognizing members of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as supporters and allies. Pride is celebrated during the month of June in honor of the Stonewall Uprising, which took place in New York City on June 28th, 1969.
According to GLADD, an organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change, Pride month provides “an opportunity for the community to come together, take stock, and recognize the advances and setbacks made in the past year. It is also a chance for the community to come together and celebrate in a festive, affirming atmosphere.”
There are many ways you can celebrate Pride month in Southern Indiana. Here are some of the events scheduled:
June 1st: River City Pride Parade and Festival, Evansville
June 8th: Warrick County Pride Festival
June 9th: Pride Pickleball at Wesselman Park Courts, Evansville
June 14th: Resource Fair and Music Fest and Haynie’s Corner Pride Night, Evansville
June 15th: Pride in the Park at Garvin Park, Evansville
June 23rd: Pride Night at the Evansville Otters, Bosse Field
June 29th: Princeton Pride Festival
June 29th: Dubois County Pride
More information and a full calendar of events can be found at https://www.rivercityprideindiana.org/events.
Below are some resources specific to LGBTQIA+ youth:
University of Evansville Pride Camp – June 23rd-June 28th : According to the University of Evansville website, kids in grades 8-12 can “spend a week living on campus at the University of Evansville for this first-of-its-kind summer camp! Build lifelong friends with incredible activities throughout the week while learning about social justice and activism. Hear powerful stories of LGBTQ+ history and heroes – and learn how to write your own story your way.” More information can be found on their website: https://www.evansville.edu/camps/pride-camp.cfm
Greater Evansville Youth is a youth group for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. According to their website, “Greater Evansville Youth creates a positive safe space for youth to build community with each other, learn how to advocate for themselves, and to express their individuality and personal identity.” Groups meet weekly, and more information can be found on their website: https://greaterevansvilleyouth.org/
The Rainbow Jacket Project is a free clothing resource for trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people. According to their website, “The Rainbow Jacket Project strives to create a safe, supportive environment for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. We offer free clothing and accessories to help affirm people’s gender identities, regardless of age or socioeconomic status.” https://rainbowjacket.wixsite.com/home
The Trevor Project is a nonprofit suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization that offers support and information for LGBTQIA+ young people 24/7, all year round. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
